Ulnar Nerve Release

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  1. This operation is usually done on a day case basis.
  2. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and you will have to fast for six hours prior to surgery.  Any regular oral medication can be taken with enough water to swallow it.  You should not chew gum whilst you are fasting before your operation.
  3. Immediately after surgery pain will be controlled by an appropriate pain killer given intravenously, by an injection or by tablets.
  4. The elbow will have a bulky bandage covering the surgical wound. This should stay in place until your post-operative visit to remove the clips.
  5. You can use the fingers, wrist, shoulder and elbow of the affected upper limb to undertake manual tasks but you should avoid getting the wound wet until the clips have been removed.
  6. Some bruising and swelling may develop around the wound, which is normal. The bruising may track up and down the arm, which is again normal.
  7. As you have had a general anaesthetic, you may feel more tired than usual for about 48 hours after surgery.  You may also feel sick, dizzy or faint, have a headache or sore throat. Very occasionally patients can feel nauseated up to 24 hours after an operation under general anaesthetic.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Mr Jacobs would advise you to take regular painkillers at home until the pain settles down.
  2. You may eat and drink normally if you feel like doing so. Do not worry if you do not feel hungry. If you vomit or feel sick then continue with bed rest and drink clear fluids only.
  3. The dressing of the wound on the hand should be kept clean and dry and left in place for 48 hours.  You should try not to get the wound and/or dressing wet.  If they do get wet by accident then all dressings should be removed and the wound should be re-dressed after being dried with a hair drier on low to medium heat setting.  Under no circumstances should wet dressings be left applied to the wound for any length of time.
  4. You will be sent an appointment for follow up and removal of your stitches.  This is usually two weeks after the operation.
  5. Your return to work depends on the type of work you do.  If this is sedentary or office-based work then you can return to work as soon as you are able to use your elbow for everyday activities, before the stitches are removed.  If this is heavy manual work then you will not be able to work for at least two weeks and after this will require a period of light manual work whilst the wound settles down and becomes less sensitive.  This may take up to 6 weeks.
  6. Mr Jacobs would advise that you can drive your car as soon as the pain has settled in the elbow such that you can grip the steering wheel.  If in doubt, ring either his secretary or contact your General Practitioner.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT PROBLEMS:

  1. If the elbow becomes very painful, swollen, throbbing or inflamed; the wound could be infected and you should seek advice from the ward at Highfield Hospital with regards to this.
  2. The area immediately around the wound may feel numb for a few days.  If the numbness extends up into the forearm, or if you cannot move your fingers then seek help immediately.
  3. If anything else unexpected occurs please seek help.
  4. If you are worried in any way with regards to the surgical wound, please contact either Highfield Hospital (01706 655 121), my secretary (0161 448 2928) or your General Practitioner.  You can also use my email address: pennineshoulder@aol.com

Availability

Mr Jacobs is in Clinic on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. In order to book an appointment please contact us.