HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can Cubitus Valgus Cause Weakening Of The Fingers And Finger-locking?

Posted on Thu, 26 Oct 2017

Question: I have a large carrying angle in my right elbow. I do have problems in yoga and other arm exercises. but major problem is my right hand also happens to have marginally less strength, few fingers freeze and loose control in winters and do not straighten at all . after reading few articles on net. I think my ulnar nerve is broken due to cubitus valgus for which my right forearm lacks strength and control.in winters even putting shirt buttons and holding a cup of tea becomes challenging. on the contrary my left forearm is absolutely fine with no strength and control.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
progressive ulnar nerve palsy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history and the attached photograph in detail.

I agree that you have a considerable degree of cubitus valgus in right hand.This is causing passive stretching of the ulnar nerve behind the medial epicondyle of the humerus.This leads to ulnar nerve entrapment and progressive deformity and loss of power in the hands.

You should consult an orthopedist and get Electromyography and Nerve conduction velocities tested.

An MRI of the elbow can help analyse the extent of nerve stretching or entrapment.

You can take methylcobalamin and folic acid tablets.If this dos not help,then you may need surgery to correct the cubitus valgus deformity as well as release of the entrapped nerve and repositioning it anteriorly.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)

Thanks. I had once consulted a neuro doc who prescribed my nerve vel test n gave me GABANTIN100 and FELICITA-OD with MRI.. i cudnt proceed with medicine n MRI.. However the nerve vel test remarks said incr latency in rt.median and decr in SNAP on rt.ulnar.. M amd F latency for r.ulnar was 3.3 and 50.9 respectively.. how much will the surgery cost? Is it curable ..? Does it incr and lead 2 anything more serious?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
SURGERY HAS GOOD RESULTS

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The nerve tests do suggest early progressive ulnar nerve palsy.

Immediate surgery,if done accurately,has good results.
The cost varies in different hospital set-ups and you need to confirm it with your treating doctor.

Timely intervention can cure the disease.But,if neglected,it may lead to paralysis and weakness of muscles of your forearm and hand.It will be difficult for you to perform any activities with the affected hand.

Thank you.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana