Ulnar nerve compression occurs when the ulnar nerve, a main nerve in the arm, becomes irritated due to injury or pressure. Symptoms include a tingling in the ring and little fingers, pain on the inside of the elbow and difficulty moving the fingers or grasping objects.
The exact cause of ulnar nerve compression is unknown. Factors that influence the chance of developing symptoms are: prior injuries, including fractures of the elbow; bone spurs; swelling of the elbow joint or cysts. Certain medical conditions may also increase the risk of developing ulnar nerve compression including rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes.
Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Compression
Screening for ulnar nerve compression begins with a detailed examination of medical history and physical health. Numbness in the fingers, evidence of muscle atrophy and weakness in the hand and forearm are all signs that further testing is needed for a complete diagnosis.
Surgery may be recommended If non-surgical treatments are not improve your symptoms, or you have a severe case of nerve compression or muscular atrophy.
The newest technique for addressing Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is Endoscopic Ulnar Nerve Release. The technique, which was pioneered in Germany, was introduced in Virginia by Dr. Desai in 2006 and has been a highly successful part of his practice. Pressure on the nerve at the elbow can be relieved through a one-inch incision. Recovery can be measured in days or a few weeks as compared to months for the significantly more invasive, open technique.
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Testimonials
I was impressed by Dr. Desai’s skills and how he treated me. My Dupuytren’s contracture had progressed. He saw me quickly, gave me several options and I chose needle aponeurotomy. About 45 minutes later I was on my way home with full range of motion in my hand. I would see
him again.
C.H.
I had lost the use of my thumb and could not write my name, get dressed, open things or do other tasks. After my surgery I had it all back, regaining full mobility of my thumb. I got excellent care. Dr. Desai and his staff are patient and considerate. He’s the best hand surgeon in this area.
S.A.
Before seeing Dr. Desai, I had terrible arthritic pain in my thumbs. I’m a nurse and I couldn’t even write or administer IVs. Pain kept me awake at night. After my arthoplasty, my pain is gone and I have full use of my thumbs. Great results, and I’m absolutely happy.
S.S.
Had basal bone arthroplasty, (trapezium removed). Recovery was exactly as predicted, almost full use of hand in less than 3 months. Dr. Desai answered my questions completely. He was very attentive to my concerns, fully explained options & what to expect.
D.W.
My husband has had 2 carpal tunnel releases, and I recently had thumb arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction, all performed by Dr Desai. Dr. Desai is a brilliant hand surgeon whom we continue to sing praises about. Dr. Desai is direct and soft spoken. I will recommend him to anyone who needs a hand surgeon.B.S.
I've worked in the medical field for the last 16 years, and when it comes to doctors, I've see the good, the bad and the ugly. I have never done a review for a doctor until now.I recently had a 4.3 x 2.3 cm lipoma removed from my right hand by Dr. Desai. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I had virtually no pain after surgery. He did a great job suturing using a vessel loop technique that he learned from a plastic surgeon. Because of that, my incision is barely visible. On top of that, the staff and everyone involved were amazing! In my professional opinion, Dr. Desai is the best hand surgeon I know. He takes his job very seriously and yet maintains great bed-side manners that a lot of doctors lack. I would refer Dr. Desai to anyone I know. In fact, if anyone in my family needs to have hand surgery, they will be coming to VA to have it done. My family lives in MI and TN. I wouldn't let them go to anyone else. Thank you, Dr. Desai!You're the Best!
K.D.