Peripheral nerve

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow space in the wrist formed by the carpal bones and the overlying ligament. Gradual narrowing causes a deep ache in the wrist and forearm, that is typically worse at night, and tingling or numbness in the index, middle and ring fingers. Further compression leads to loss of feeling in these fingers and weakness of thumb to finger grip. The condition is confirmed with nerve conduction studies.

When surgical decompression is required this can be performed either with local anaesthetic or a short general anaesthetic. A small skin incision is made in the middle of the wrist / palm and the thickened ligament opened to release the nerve. This should stop the nerve damage from and is good at relieving the wrist pain. Nerve recovery takes several months and is variable in completeness depending on how severe the damage was prior to surgery. The hand is usually bandaged for 48hrs and can be used normally after that.

The ulnar nerve runs across the inner side of the elbow joint in a groove that is covered over by a ligament. Thickening of the soft tissues can compress the nerve resulting in a deep aching pain in the elbow and arm. Further compression damages the nerve leading to numbness of the little and ring finger and weakness of the small muscles of the hand leading to weakness of grip. The condition is confirmed with nerve conduction studies.

When surgical decompression is required this can be performed either with local anaesthetic or a short general anaesthetic. The nerve is decompressed by dividing the thickened ligament and soft tissue. This should stop the nerve damage from progressing and is good at relieving the arm pain. Nerve recovery takes several months and is variable in completeness depending on how severe the damage was prior to surgery. The elbow is usually bandaged for 48hrs and can be used normally after that.