Ulnar Neuropathy/entrapment

[DisneyDog]

I have been experiencing pain in my right elbow for many years. When it first started, I went to the doctor and she told me that I had tennis elbow and couldn't do anything about it. (That same doctor misdiagnosed me about something else and I haven't been back to her since.) But, I've basically been ignoring the ache because I thought there wasn't anything I could do about it. Recently, I've started having pain in my ring and pinky finger on that hand. When I sleep, my hands automatically curl up into a tight ball, causing even more pain. I finally got the courage to talk to my (newer) doctor (physician's assistant) who sent me to the orthopedic specialist. He, in turn, sent me to the neurologist who did some tests and confirmed what the orthopedist thought -- my ulnar nerve "rolls" and becomes entrapped.

He recommends surgery, which will leave me in a cast for 10 days. He said he will move the nerve so that it can't roll. Frankly, I'm a bit terrified. It's my right arm, I'm right handed, and this is an important nerve we are talking about.

Anyone have any experience/insight/words of wisdom on this for me?

[Itchy]

I had a similar condition but not as severe as you describe. I had an Ulnar nerve release instead of the transposition that it seems they have planned for you.

The release is similar to that of carpal tunnel. I had the surgery for the release and was limited to what I could with my arm for about a month. The incision was about 3" long.

My orthopedist does not do the radical surgery called ulnar nerve transposition. This is where the move the nerve from the area of the elbow ( the funny bone nerve ) and make a cut in the mussel of the fore arm and move the nerve there where it is protected.

I had the release done and carpal tunnel release on my left arm and hand with no further problem. I have heard that the transposition surgery is very painful. The type I had is not and recovery was really quick.

You could do a google search and get more information, thats where I got mine before I talked with the surgeon.

Hope this helps and good luck. Oh! if you do not do something the claw hand symtoms it can be permanent from what I understand.

[DisneyDog]

Thanks. I'm getting a second opinion next week. Leaning towards having the surgery, but not thrilled about it. Just tired of being in pain all the time.