Wrist and hand movement, as well as sensation, are controlled by the ulnar nerve, which runs from the wrist into the shoulder. If the ulnar nerve becomes depressed or constricted due to injury or overuse, a doctor may recommend surgical treatment to resolve uncomfortable symptoms. Patients should be aware of the potential complications of ulnar nerve surgery before having this procedure performed.
Nerve Damage
Less than 1 in 100 people who undergo ulnar nerve surgery experience additional nerve damage as a complication of this procedure, explain medical professionals with Precision Neurosurgery. During this surgical procedure, a surgeon may accidentally damage surrounding nerves when attempting to repair or release the ulnar nerve. Rarely, a surgeon may inadvertently sever or lacerate the ulnar nerve itself during surgery. Nerve damage complications of ulnar nerve surgery can result in permanent sensations of numbness or weakness within the affected hand, wrist, or arm.
New Constriction Points
Scar tissue can develop near the site of nerve repair following ulnar nerve surgery. In certain cases, this scar tissue can form new constriction points along the ulnar nerve, explain medical professionals with Simmons Orthopaedic and Spine Associates, LLP. This complication of ulnar nerve surgery can exacerbate ulnar nerve damage symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, pain or weakness within the hand or wrist. Additional surgery may be necessary to resolve these ulnar nerve complications.
Infection
Following surgery, certain people can develop a wound infection at the incision site as a complication of ulnar nerve surgery, report Precision Neurosurgery health professionals. A wound infection can be painful and may cause temporary thickening or hypertrophy of the skin. Typically, affected people are given antibiotics to resolve infection complications of ulnar nerve surgery.
Blood Clot
Blood clots can form near the surgical site following ulnar nerve repair, according to Precision Neurosurgery health professionals. The formation of a blood clot can cause poor blood flow to the affected body region. When this occurs, affected people can experience unusual sensations of tingling or numbness near the site of the blood clot. This complication of ulnar nerve surgery can be life-threatening--especially if the blood clot migrates into a person's heart or lungs.
References
- Precision Neurosurgery: Ulnar Nerve Decompression - What are the specific risks of this surgery?
- Simmons Orthopaedic and Spine Associates, LLP.: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and the Painful Upper Extremity - Complications of Treatment
- MedlinePlus: Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
