Concern Over Potential Nerve Damage After Surgery
Greetings, I am reaching out for guidance regarding my 14-year-old son, who recently suffered a broken elbow along with significant fractures in other areas. I have been struggling to gather consistent information from various medical professionals about his condition. This situation has been quite distressing for him as he is unable to participate in basketball or other sports, and I worry about the impact on his mental well-being. I am particularly anxious about the potential long-term effects of any nerve damage that may have occurred during his surgery. To elaborate, during the procedure to place a plate in his left arm, I was informed that the complexity of the surgery led to the plate making contact with a nerve. After the operation, my son mentioned experiencing an unusual sensation in his hand. Upon further examination by the doctor, we discovered that he is unable to lift his fingers—not even slightly. He can manage to wiggle them, but they hang down, reverting back to that position immediately after I let go of them. Now, two weeks post-surgery, he has expressed feelings of frustration and has been experiencing a burning sensation in his thumb, especially at night. This discomfort seems to have begun this week. Initially, the surgeon mentioned that if a nerve is ‘shocked’, it typically regains function within a few days. However, a specialist nurse contacted me the following day with concerns, suggesting we return for further evaluation as she sensed that something might be amiss. Moreover, another doctor from the hospital informed me that it could take as long as 12 months to determine whether the nerve damage is permanent or merely a temporary reaction to the surgery. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others in a similar situation.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 12:02:12 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your son's situation; it's completely understandable to be anxious given the complexities of his injury and surgery. Here's a brief overview of the main points regarding nerve damage after his elbow surgery, followed by actionable next steps.
Summary of Concerns:
- Nerve Function Post-Surgery: Nerve damage can be a concern after surgical procedures, particularly if the nerve was in contact with hardware like a plate.
- Symptom Monitoring: Your son’s symptoms of finger movement difficulties and burning sensations in his thumb are important to monitor.
- Recovery Timeline: Nerve recovery can vary widely, and while some improvement may occur within weeks, it can take up to a year to accurately assess long-term outcomes.
Explanation:
When a nerve is "shocked" or impacted during surgery, the results can range from temporary issues to more permanent damage. The fact that your son can wiggle his fingers is a positive sign, as it indicates some nerve function remains. However, his inability to lift his fingers and the new burning sensation may indicate additional issues needing attention.
Next Steps:
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Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment: It’s vital to revisit the surgeon or a specialized neurologist to conduct a thorough assessment of your son's nerve function. Alert them to the new burning sensation and the changes in finger movement.
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Physical Therapy Consideration: If not already recommended, inquire about starting hand and arm therapy. A physical therapist can offer exercises to help improve strength and coordination and potentially aid nerve recovery.
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Pain Management Support: Discuss with healthcare providers about appropriate pain management strategies for the burning sensation in your son’s thumb, especially at night. This can include options such as medications or specific therapies.
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Monitoring Changes: Keep a simple diary of your son’s symptoms—documenting any changes in sensation, finger movement, or pain. This information will be valuable for his medical team.
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Emotional Support: Ensure your son has space to express his frustrations and anxieties regarding his recovery. Engaging in activities that he enjoys (even if they are not physical) could help maintain his mental well-being during this challenging time.
It’s important to keep proactive communication with healthcare providers and seek timely evaluations for any worrying symptoms. Your attentiveness to both the medical and emotional aspects of your son’s recovery is crucial, and you're clearly advocating well for him. Let me know if you have further questions or need more guidance!
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