You may have seen us on KING 5 HealthLink last Thursday night! Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle and hand specialist Wayne Weil, M.D. were featured along with patient Terry Bocian in a segment on ulnar nerve compression, or “cell phone elbow”.

Cubital tunnel syndrome, the second most common peripheral nerve syndrome behind carpal tunnel syndrome, is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Compression of this nerve typically causes numbness and discomfort in the ring and small fingers.

Bocian came to OSS back in the spring of 2010, suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome and as well as carpal tunnel syndrome in both arms – which was limiting his function and comfort in his work as a carpenter as well as in the activities of daily living. Wanting to avoid surgery, he lightened up on his work-load, but the pain ultimately didn’t go away.

“Then I heard that carpal tunnel can become a permanent, irreversible issue if left untreated for too long, and I didn’t want that to be me,” said Terry. “I decided to put my fears aside and see an orthopedic surgeon.”

In Bocian’s case, surgery was the best treatment option. Dr. Weil is one of only a few surgeons now performing a less invasive procedure called endoscopic cubital tunnel release surgery.

“What we’ve found is that because of the smaller incision and less trauma to the tissues is that patients just have less pain after surgery and get back to work faster and have quicker return to function,” said Weil.

Bocian experienced a smooth recovery, and he was able to return to light-work duties with two weeks.

“If I had known how painless it would have been, I would have done it a long time ago and spared myself many years of discomfort,” he said.

Thank you to Terry Bocian for sharing his positive experience with us for this feature! For more information or to discuss your concerns, please call our offices at (206) 633-8100.

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