Nerve compression describes a variety of disorders wherein
the nerves of the upper extremities are compressed by
various ligaments and muscles. Generally, depending
on the nerve involved, the symptoms include: numbness,
weakness, tingling and or pain. The symptoms can
increase in severity until the nerve reaches a point where
irreversible damage has occurred.
The procedure involves releasing the constricting ligaments
and or muscles to decompress the nerve depending on its location
of entrapment.
Recovery time:
Recovery is generally between two and four weeks with return
to full duty in four to six weeks.
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel describes a compression neuropathy of the median
nerve at the wrist. The symptoms include numbness and
tingling in the thumb, index, long and/or ring finger with weakness
in the hand.
The procedure involves a short, outpatient surgery during which
the transverse carpal ligament is released through a 3⁄4
inch incision.
Recovery time:
Recovery time is approximately two weeks, during which time
range of motion is encouraged and suture removal occurs.
Return to full duty occurs between two and four weeks.
Cubital Tunnel
Cubital tunnel describes a nerve compression disorder of the
ulnar nerve above, at or below the elbow. The symptoms
include numbness in the small finger and half of the ring finger
with weakness throughout the hand.
The procedure involves an incision at the elbow with release
of the nerve above the elbow, at the elbow and below the elbow.
Recovery time:
Recovery time is approximately two weeks at which point the
sutures are removed. Return to full duty occurs between four
and six weeks.
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