Ulnar Nerve Transposition

[firecop25]

I am post Ulnar Nerve Transpo (sub skin) almost 18 mo.  I currently still have extreme pain in my elbow and numbness in my hand.  The numbness is after say 5-10 minutes of use.  The damage done to the nerve was extensive (burnt noodle the size of a pipe cleaner.  My repeat EMG done a month ago shows normal conduction.  I've been told that my only options are live with it or have a second surgery for submuscular.  He also said possibly to have the head of the ulna modified.  I am a 41 y/o firefighter/paramedic.  This injury occurred 4 years ago when a roof fell on top of my crew.  Will I benefit from either of these procedures?

[elgann]

I had ulnar nerve transposition Dec.29, 2006 and I am still having problems.  It was nightmare pain...worse than kidney stones and my hysterectomy.  Nothing touches that kind of pain.  My main purpose everyday for the first 4 months was to get unconcious.  I didn't take medication during the day but when I got home I did!  The diabetic medications for nerve pain made me mentally confused and cymbalta was really awful.  I still feel like the side of my hand is in a pile of fire ants even though the hand feels cold to the touch.  I really don't know what to do.  I was told the second surgery isn't always successful and I don't think I could deal with the pain I had during the first four months.  I am watching the muscles in my hand waste away and I pick bluegrass guitar with my father who is getting old and freaking out about this as much as I am.  It is what we do and can't anymore....

[Macey1]

Hello!  I have had the ulnar nerve release procedure done on both my left and right elbow.  One was done in Nov 2004 and the other in Jan 2005.  I have not had any of the results I thought I would have from this procedure.  At this point handwriting is very difficult (lots on pain in the outside of my wrist), my elbows are still so tender, my fingers (ring & pinky) are still numb on both hands and now I have pain in my arms I didn't use to have.  A neurosurgeon did this procedure for me.  At this point I am meeting with a new neurosurgeon to see what if anything can be done.  Just today I found out that someone I know is looking to have this procedure done.  They mentioned the transposition procedure and not the release like I had done.  Instead of a neurosurgeon she saw an orthopedic doctor.  Does  anyone know what the difference would be in selecting an othopedic surgeon versus a neurosurgeon? What would be the pros and cons of choosing the right type of surgeon?  I am very nervous about any decisions I will have to make and my future abilities with this condition.  I would gladly invite any of your comments.  I just don't want to have another less than successful procedure.

[caliatra]

I had surgery 15 months ago. Guess what pain back, andI even had quit lifting with that arm. Worried about going back in and redoing it behind muscle this time. Auto accidents are not fun!

[firecop25]

Thanks for your help.  If anyone else has input, I'm open to them.  I currently live int he Chicago area.  My ortho is refering me to Northwestern Memorial.  Any help?

[MinnieM]

The doctor here answering this may have good advice but I am adding my 2 cents worth .  I am not a doctor.  Ulnar nerve surgery is a very painful surgery and usual in the right hands can be very good....I would look for the VERY BEST hand clinics in the US before I would resort to any more surgery for more options/  This is my thinking and I have been there myself. There are some very good places in the US for a consult.  I am not endorsing this hand clinic but there is suppose to be a very good one in Kentucky.  This is called the Christine Kleinert hand and Micro clinic in Lexington.  I am not sure if Dr. Kleinert is still practicing but I have heard that Dr. Atasoy is very good.  If you can e-mail him or call him, I know he returns calls and e-mails and he may be able to guide you.  You may need a neurosurgeon also of which he may be able to help with this also.  Again, I am NOT endorsing this group but I have heard very good things about them.  Good Luck to you.