HomeAnswersplastic surgery-reconstructive and cosmetic surgerynerve growth factorI have no improvement after ulnar nerve decompression. Why?

Is it possible to transfer muscle to fill in the hand after ulnar nerve entrapment?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ankit Gupta

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 10, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Earlier this year approximately five months ago, I was diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment at the right elbow. Sadly, I declined rapidly and lost all my hypotheaner and some of my lumbericals in a matter of six weeks. I was operated on exactly 14 weeks ago where I had a decompression of the ulnar nerve and an anterior interosseous nerve transfer to the motor component of the ulnar nerve so that the nerve axons would reach my hand quicker. I still have no improvement and I wanted to ask if it is possible to transfer muscle to fill in the hand? And will this protect my nerves in the hand? Would it be too soon to be considering this operation?

Answered by Dr. Ankit Gupta

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your query is genuine and I am extremely sorry to learn about your problems. To answer, let me explain to you how a nerve grows. It takes one month of latency and later nerve grows at 1 mm per day. Even though the nerve might reach your muscle, for bulk to improve, it takes another few months. For one to determine if the nerve signals have improved, you can get an electromyography to see for any improvement. Decompression will improve sensation very fast and then power. But for muscle bulk, it usually takes a while for muscle transfer to be suitable. In case, you have any form of weakness and never to fill up a cosmetic defect such as hypothenar flatness, for that one can consider fat grafting. If the bulk does not improve after six months. I would advise you to wait as it usually takes longer than 14 weeks. If you want to see and have proof of progress go for EMG. No muscle transfer as per my advise for now if you are not having any weakness.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ankit Gupta
Dr. Ankit Gupta

plastic surgery-reconstructive and cosmetic surgery

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