Can I use my hand after ulnar nerve surgery?

Most patients who have ulnar nerve decompression surgery regain full use of their hand, wrist, and elbow. It may take 4 or 5 months to regain full strength. Some people will continue to notice a difference up to a year after surgery.

How successful is ulnar nerve surgery?

Overall, 87% (95% CI, 92%-91%) of patients improved with surgery; all forms of in situ decompression were more effective than any type of transposition procedure; for example, open in situ decompression with epicondylectomy was associated with higher success rates than subcutaneous transposition (relative risk, 1.13; …

Can you fail ulnar nerve surgery?

Despite a variety of surgical options for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow, the failure of surgical treatment, expressed as the persistence, recurrence, or even worsening of symptoms, occurs in approximately 10%–25% of cases.

Is ulnar nerve damage permanent?

Ulnar nerve entrapment is an extremely common injury to a nerve that runs through the arm into the fingers on the outside of the hand. While ulnar nerve entrapment is usually not serious, it can have permanent consequences if not treated promptly, including paralysis and loss of feeling in the affected hand or arm.

Do they put you to sleep for ulnar nerve surgery?

Usually patients are brought to the operating room for ulnar nerve surgery. Most patients do not require being put fully to sleep with general anesthesia for this procedure. Patients are usually given intravenous sedation medication to keep them resting and comfortable.

When should you have ulnar nerve surgery?

If ulnar nerve compression does not improve with nonsurgical treatments, or if the condition causes persistent pain and numbness, your doctor may recommend surgery. NYU Langone doctors specialize in several surgical procedures to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow.