Hi everyone, I was researching about CuTS and found here.
I've been seeing a hand surgeon and waiting for NCS in 2 weeks.
My doctor said that intramuscular surgey would be good for me because I like working out and it has less chance of recurrence although it has longer healing period. And one study says intramuscular way prevents the nerve from going back to position that I'm having the problem at.
But, I have not found anybody who had this surgery. Well it says this surgery demands high skills, but is this only reason of not getting the surgery?
Well,, my doctor's profile shows great background on colleges, but he became board certified on 2008.

Anyway, I don't feel any pain or numbness on the elbow unless I do some push ups or bench press or dips(worst).
And I also didn't have any injury on the elbow.
How did you guys have this problem and usually had pain before surgery?
And is there anybody who had intramuscular surgey?
After surgery What if the muscle chocks the nerve by growing up muscle??
Any post will be greatful! Thanks!

I didn't think a doctor could tell what the best option would be for CuTS until he opens you up for a look-see. Or, at least that's what my orthopedic doctors told me. There are several ways to treat CuTS depending on what is going on inside each of us. I've never heard of a doctor offering his patient a single best option without knowing the exact anatomy inside. Am I wrong here?

I've had the intramuscular transposition which included the shaving of the bone as well. From the very beginning my neurologist recommended it but that was because of extreme atrophy of my left hand (not as much on my right) and numbness of pinky and ring finger at all times. I've never had any pain.

I'm 10 months after surgery on the left and still numb. My doctor told me that a new study showed that this surgery can take up to 7-8 years to improve the numbness. (I'm not holding my breath.) My hand has gotten stronger but I'm still weak compared to a healthier person.

I've had other problems with my palm that required a second surgery. Those problems got better.

I don't have any numbness on the right side. Surgeon says no surgery on the right unless my hand gets weaker or I have other symptoms.

It is unknown how I got this problem. I'm in my early 60s, not a Spring chicken. I strongly believe it has been my office life and habit of holding the phone to my ear for many hours at a time. I now use a headset so that my elbows are not locked in the phone holding position. I also do not place my arm under my head when in bed. That was another no-no behaviour that I'm sure contributed to my problem.

BTW, if you look under "Cubital News" at this site, you will see that there is a study that shows that Transposition Surgery is better than decompression for CuTS.

Good Luck!

7-8 years?!! My goodness! Well, I think I got this from having elbow bends most of the time, even when I sleep too. So I've been trying to not bend it, but everytime I wake up, it is bending.
Thanks for reply, I hope your elbows are going well!

The reason not to get this type of surgery is the increased complexity and evasiveness of the operation. That said a skilled and experienced surgeon should have no trouble performing one.

You say your doc was board certified in 2008... In what?

I would look to find the most experienced surgeon possible, one who performs this type of surgery routinely. Certified hand surgeons are a good place to start.

I met with several surgeons before I found one I liked. Each one will probably have a method that they prefer or are more familiar with. Is one method better than the other? Who knows. But an excellent doctor can definately perform it better than an average one (fyi, ended up getting a subcutanious transposition)

I hope he can perform well. My NCS is next Monday! Physical therapist said it is not fun test, but I can't wait..
How's your elbow going? Hope you get well!