Ulnar nerve transposition

Hello and welcome to the forum! So, you'd like to hear a success story, here goes...

I had a traumatic injury to my left elbow that caused the protective sheath of the ulnar nerve to tear and my nerve would subluxate every time I would bend and straighten my elbow. Unfortunately, this same incident caused a 3/4 thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon as well and that was attended to first. When the E.M.G. was finally done, it showed a serious loss of function in the ulnar nerve. I had the transposition done in August of 1996. I was placed in a cast for 6 weeks. After the cast was removed I was put in physical therapy where they used ice, ultrasound, massage and a procedure they referred to as "points", which I believe is responsible for such a good result. I still have permanent nerve damage but have full use of my hand and fingers. If I use my arm/hand a lot, the nerve gets irritated, but it is manageable.

I hope your inability to bend the pinky joint resolves itself. Wait for any swelling to be completely gone, keep an eye on the blood flow to the pinky tip, and mention it to your doctor.

Sometimes, nerve impulse readings change after manipulation. For instance, my forearm now reads 'cold' as 'wet'. I feel 'itch' but do not feel 'scratched'. Mixed messages can lead to unintentional injury.

Hope to hear more from you!

pitmom said...
Hello and welcome to the forum! So, you'd like to hear a success story, here goes...

I had a traumatic injury to my left elbow that caused the protective sheath of the ulnar nerve to tear and my nerve would subluxate every time I would bend and straighten my elbow. Unfortunately, this same incident caused a 3/4 thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon as well and that was attended to first. When the E.M.G. was finally done, it showed a serious loss of function in the ulnar nerve. I had the transposition done in August of 1996. I was placed in a cast for 6 weeks. After the cast was removed I was put in physical therapy where they used ice, ultrasound, massage and a procedure they referred to as "points", which I believe is responsible for such a good result. I still have permanent nerve damage but have full use of my hand and fingers. If I use my arm/hand a lot, the nerve gets irritated, but it is manageable.

I hope your inability to bend the pinky joint resolves itself. Wait for any swelling to be completely gone, keep an eye on the blood flow to the pinky tip, and mention it to your doctor.

Sometimes, nerve impulse readings change after manipulation. For instance, my forearm now reads 'cold' as 'wet'. I feel 'itch' but do not feel 'scratched'. Mixed messages can lead to unintentional injury.

Hope to hear more from you!

Hello Pitcom
Thank you for your reply. Interesting that you were in a cast for 6 weeks I have read that a lot of surgeons opt for the cast. Mine did not and I have a scar in a different position to the original one this time. Mobility is better this time. I have been told not to worry about my little finger too much don't do anything and see how it is when I see the consultant in a couple of weeks! I have been told that I will have 3 months of physio not sure yet when that will start! The ice treatment sounds interesting. ..Glad you had a good recovery.

The different sleeping positions are discussed in both places I suggested for you for you to read. "Fatigue 3 weeks after.... " is the name of that topic that's on our first page now. It's a year old but someone else commented on it this week. Taller Now and others offered what worked for them. A recliner was my personal favorite for the first nights, maybe weeks, I'm not sure now. That recliner was just my best friend whether sleeping or just sitting for quite some time. Mine also swivels, so that also helped since my neck did not move and still does not very much. I have more fused than you.