The strong tissue that covers this mass is lengthened to reduce compression in the nerve's new position. The areas above and below the elbow that the nerve passes through are treated to diminish future nerve compression. Patients who have constant numbness, severe weakness, or muscle wasting may have scar tissue inside the nerve. In these cases, microsurgical release of scar tissue in the nerve is performed with magnifying glasses or microscope. The outer wrapping of the nerve is opened and the scar tissue within the nerve is freed.
Care is taken to limit any injury to the small connections between the nerve fibers.
The recovery process occurs generally in two phases. The operation releases pressure on the nerve and blood flow improves in the nerve immediately. Frequently, by the time the sutures are removed, you will note some improvement in the numbness and tingling in the fingers. Nerves that scar or degenerate do not recover this quickly. Actual degeneration of nerve fibers may result in muscle wasting or inability to discriminate fine points with the ends of the fingers.