For some patients, rest and the use of a brace are enough to cease symptoms. However, severe cases can prove more difficult to treat, with symptoms either more fiercely recurring or never resolving at all. Fortunately, there is a solution for these more severe cases: cubital tunnel release surgery with Dr. Engineer.
Engineered Aesthetics provides the very highest standard of treatment for cubital tunnel treatment and care in the Las Vegas Valley area. Dr. Engineer has more than 10 years of extensive training and experience in complex hand and upper extremity operations, making him among the foremost specialists for cubital tunnel release surgery in the Las Vegas Valley area and beyond. At your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Engineer will completely evaluate your individual needs, provide detailed education, and establish informed expectations in order to help you arrive at the best and most effective possible surgical plan for you.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused when the ulnar nerve, one of the three main nerves in the upper extremity, is irritated or compressed at the elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome may develop for many reasons, but some are more common. These include:
- Repetitive motion
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Injury, including a previous dislocation, sprain, or fracture
Symptoms of cubital tunnel may include:
- Hand pain
- Tingling in the hand and/or fingers
- Numbness
- Numbness and tingling at night
- Weakening of the arm and hand muscles
- Elbow pain
- Nerve damage
Although the development of cubital tunnel syndrome can commonly occur in patients having professions requiring repetitive reaching and bending of the elbow, this peripheral compression neuropathy can affect anyone. In cases where rest and the use of a brace have proven ineffective at ceasing painful symptoms, surgical options should be considered.
Dr. Engineer will take time and care to fully explain your options at your comprehensive consultation. He will make the effort to understand your needs, ensure you understand your choices, and evaluate which treatment plans may be most effective in your specific case. Cubital tunnel release surgery has proven successful for many of Dr. Engineer’s patients and may be the solution for which you have been waiting.
What to expect from cubital tunnel release surgery
Cubital tunnel release surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Engineer offers a minimally invasive approach to cubital tunnel release using an endoscopic technique that minimizes the incisions and morbidity of a more invasive operation. This results in less pain and faster recovery for patients, as well as less disruption and damage to the normal anatomy at the site of decompression.
Your case may only require a simple decompression, however, if there is instability of the nerve following decompression due to your anatomy, Dr. Engineer will reposition and protect the nerve within the muscle along the elbow, also known a transposition. Finally, Dr. Engineer will close the incision using absorbable sutures.
Recovery from cubital tunnel release surgery
A dressing will be applied to keep the wound clean and dry. You should expect to keep the dressing on your arm for approximately 7-14 days. Although you will be able to move your arm minimally immediately following your operation, you will be advised to refrain from any strenuous activities until the incision is completely sealed, which is usually 1-2 weeks. The minimally invasive approach allows for faster healing and a quicker return to your normal activities of daily living.
On certain occasions, Dr. Engineer may advise you to see a Certified Hand Therapist for postoperative therapy to maximize your results. Dr. Engineer will carefully review all after care instructions and needs with you so that you are prepared and confident throughout your recovery.
Schedule a consultation
Patients in the Las Vegas Valley area need not continue to suffer with the painful and inconvenient effects of cubital tunnel syndrome. Schedule your comprehensive consultation to discover your options - Dr. Engineer and our entire staff look forward to welcoming you to the Engineered Aesthetics family.
