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What Causes Numbness In Ring And Pinky Fingers Post A Reverse Shoulder Replacement?
Question: I had a reverse shoulder replacement. Somehow the nerve in my arm must have been damaged. My ring and pinky fingers will not work. I have had electrical stimulation and have been working with a hand therapist. No luck at all. What do you suppose happened? It has been 7 months.
Brief Answer:
Seems like ulnar nerve damage. Could have occurred during surgery due to traction
Detailed Answer:
Hi there, Welcome to HCM .
Thanks for the query.
Do you have numbness of the inner side of the arm or forearm?
It appears that the ulnar nerve has been damaged. This nerve supplies the sensation to the ring and pinky fingers. Damage to ulnar nerve will cause numbness of these fingers and weakness of finger, adduction of other fingers.
It is best to get a Nerve conduction study or NCV at the earliest to evaluate the degree of nerve damage. Based on the study result, the appropriate treatment can be instituted. If there is complete hand damage, surgery in the form of nerve transfer or muscle or tendon transfer may be required to bring about the movements.
Also do get an MRI of the Brachial plexus to find out the extent of nerve damage and the various nerves involved.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Seems like ulnar nerve damage. Could have occurred during surgery due to traction
Detailed Answer:
Hi there, Welcome to HCM .
Thanks for the query.
Do you have numbness of the inner side of the arm or forearm?
It appears that the ulnar nerve has been damaged. This nerve supplies the sensation to the ring and pinky fingers. Damage to ulnar nerve will cause numbness of these fingers and weakness of finger, adduction of other fingers.
It is best to get a Nerve conduction study or NCV at the earliest to evaluate the degree of nerve damage. Based on the study result, the appropriate treatment can be instituted. If there is complete hand damage, surgery in the form of nerve transfer or muscle or tendon transfer may be required to bring about the movements.
Also do get an MRI of the Brachial plexus to find out the extent of nerve damage and the various nerves involved.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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