OSS hand specialist Dr. Wayne Weil is now performing a new arthroscopic procedure called “endoscopic cubital tunnel release” – treating patients dealing with ulnar (elbow) nerve compression with a state-of-the-art surgical option that demonstrates excellent results including with less pain, quicker recovery time, and fewer complications.
Dr. Weil is one of only a few surgeons in Seattle who perform this innovative procedure, in addition to performing endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. In both procedures, Dr. Weil performs the procedure through much smaller incisions than needed for similar traditional surgeries, which leads to less pain and shorter healing times for patients. In fact, endoscopic cubital tunnel release is only a 30-minute outpatient surgical procedure, done with regional anesthetic while the patient is awake. Following the surgery, patients need to wear bandages on the elbow for several days and can usually return to light duty work within two or three days.
Ulnar nerve compression, or cubital tunnel syndrome, is the second most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome, causing numbness in the ring and small fingers, weak grip, pain at the elbow, and difficulty sleeping at night because of pain and numbness in the hand. This condition has recently been termed “cell phone elbow” as prolonged hyperflexion or bending of the elbow can increase pressure on the ulnar nerve and can cause the hand to go numb.
Oftentimes, ulnar nerve compression can be treated entirely without surgery, through strengthening exercise regimens or physical therapy techniques. In general, frequent bending of the elbow from using a phone, computer keyboard and mouse, or any other repetitive work where the elbow remains bent for extended periods of time should be balanced with counter-stretches and periods of time where the joints can be relaxed to avoid compression and pain.
When ulnar nerve compression become serious, though, Dr. Weil’s expertise in endoscopic cubital tunnel release surgery provides a new and excitingly low-impact treatment for troublesome elbows.
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