Nerve Surgery
Protecting nerve function and mobility.
Treatment for compressed or damaged nerves in the upper extremity.
Nerve Surgery Overview
Nerve surgery relieves pressure on compressed nerves or repairs nerve damage affecting the arm, elbow, wrist, or hand.
Depending on the condition, surgery may release tissue surrounding the nerve, move the nerve to a safer position, or repair damaged nerve tissue. The procedure depends on the location and severity of the condition.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar nerve compression
- Nerve compression at the wrist or elbow
- Nerve injuries affecting the upper extremity
- Numbness or tingling caused by nerve pressure
- Weakness caused by nerve compression
- Other upper-extremity nerve conditions
When Surgery Is Recommended
Nerve surgery may be recommended when:
- Numbness or tingling becomes persistent
- Weakness affects grip or hand function
- Symptoms interfere with sleep or daily activities
- Testing confirms significant nerve compression
- Muscle loss or nerve damage is developing
- Symptoms continue after nonsurgical treatment
- An injury has damaged or severed a nerve
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Orthopedic Surgery, treatment is based on the location and severity of the nerve condition. If surgery is recommended, the procedure will focus on relieving pressure, protecting the nerve, and improving function.
Have questions about nerve surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Nerve Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Nerve Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume your regular diet as tolerated and begin walking shortly after surgery. Follow instructions regarding use of the affected arm or hand.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, fatigue, and mild discomfort are common during recovery and generally improve over time. Numbness, tingling, and weakness may improve gradually as the nerve heals.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to daily activities as directed. Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication or until your surgical team determines that it is safe.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Follow instructions for showering and incision care. Keep any dressing or splint clean and dry. Follow-up timing depends on the procedure performed.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe or worsening pain
- Increasing swelling that does not improve with elevation
- New numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation
- Fingers that become pale, blue, unusually cold, or difficult to move
- A cast, splint, or dressing that feels excessively tight
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
- Persistent bleeding or separation of the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach the orthopedic provider on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions are treated with nerve surgery?
Nerve surgery may treat carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, nerve injuries, and other conditions causing nerve compression in the upper extremity. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery identifies the location and cause of the condition before recommending treatment.
How do I know if I have a compressed nerve?
Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, and difficulty gripping objects. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery may use an examination and diagnostic testing to determine whether a nerve is compressed.
When is surgery needed for carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome?
Surgery may be recommended when symptoms continue after nonsurgical treatment or when testing shows significant nerve compression, weakness, or muscle loss. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery evaluates each condition before recommending surgery.
How long does nerve recovery take after surgery?
Recovery depends on the location, severity, and duration of the nerve compression. Pain and tingling may improve sooner, while sensation and strength can take longer to return. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery will monitor your progress during follow-up visits.
Will I need physical therapy after nerve surgery?
Physical therapy may be recommended to improve movement, strength, and hand function. The need for therapy and when it begins depend on the procedure performed and your recovery.
