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

Why Is There No Motor Function In My Hand After Release Of An Ulnar Nerve Entrapment And Anterior Interosseous Nerve Transfer Down My Forearm?

Posted on Mon, 25 Mar 2024

Question: Hello to you Dr I had an ulnar nerve entrapment that was released in May of this year it was approximately 10weeks since I began symptomatic. Sadly in this 10 weeks my fourth and fifth fingers clawed and I had weakness and intristic muscle loss with numbness. Due to the extent of the damage I had an anterior interosseous nerve transfer down my forearm aswell. I am now 4weeks post surgery and nothing has changed on don't have any difference in my right hand and I am afraid I can't get any motor function in my hand. How long does it take for the nerve transfer to start working? And does the end to side nerve transfer damage the original ulnar nerve?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually nerve function returns in 2-4 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After a nerve transfer it takes 2-4 weeks for the nerve function to return completely. There can be mild swelling in the local area and oral steroids and methylcobalamin supplements can help in early recovery. You need to wait for now and see if the motor function returns.
End to side transfer should not damage the original ulnar nerve unless the original nerve has been hurt by some other injury.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (33 minutes later)

I have already been past the four week stage and no difference in any symptoms. I had the anterior interosseous nerve transfer to help speed this up but have no improvement. Is this known to actually help motor function in the hand?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nerve transfer helps motor functions also.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The nerve transfer helps both in sensory and motor improvement. But it has already been four weeks past the surgery. Only steroids and methylcobalamin supplements can help you to some extent now.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)

I'm sorry how do the steroids work in this case? And what type? Also what does the Vitamin B12 do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Steroids decrease the inflammation around the nerve thus reducing any swelling or nerve compression. Vitamin B 12 is essential for normal functioning of the nerve. So these can help to some extent. Among the steroids you can get methyl prednisolone prescribed by your physician.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (31 hours later)

Dr I don't believe I have any inflammation around the nerve I Just don't have a signal to my hand yet. My nerve signal must start from the AIN nerve transfer. How long is that approximately?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Usually starts in 2-3 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
The nerve signal usually starts in 2-3 weeks. You can get the nerve conduction test done to know if it responding or not.
Regards.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar