(return to index)
HAND AND UPPER LIMB
What is it for?
Improves symptoms of numbness and lack of hand strength in cases of nerve compression at elbow level
What does it mean?
The cubital tunnel syndrome is an ulnar (same as cubital) nerve compression disease at the level of the elbow, resulting in numbness, tingling and lack of strength in the hand. The fourth and fifth fingers ("ring" and "little" fingers) have a characteristic claw deformity. Surgery consists of releasing the structures that cause nerve compression and, depending on the cases, nerve repositioning. Sometimes, nerve damage has been established for very long and recovery may not be complete, but the surgery helps prevent further worsening of the disease. In these cases, it is still possible to perform procedures at the finger level to reduce the claw effect
Procedure time
45-60 minutes
Type of anaesthesia
General anesthesia or brachial plexus block (with or without sedation)
Scars
Scar in the elbow area, about 6-7 cm
Hospitalization
No hospitalization required
Recovery
You can resume normal hand use at 10 days, except exertion, which should only be allowed after 6 weeks
Most frequent problems and risks
Infection, bleeding, nerve damage (although they are rare occurrences)
Longevity
Usually the result is long lasting, although recovery may not be complete
