Cubital Tunnel Surgery... how soon before it is safe to dive again?

[Bryan]

Hi All,

This looks like the right place to post this question... lots of knowledgable folks about, it looks like!

In January, I noticed tingling in my pinky and ring fingers of my non-dominant hand. A month later, I saw my doctor for a physical, mentioned the symptoms, and he advised ibuprofen to see if it went away on its own. A month later, when things weren't any better, he referred me to a orthopedic hand surgeon, and after nerve conduction studies, I was told I had cubital tunnel syndrome, and the doctor recommended surgery...

So, on May 1st, I went in for... (cutting and pasting) "anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve." The surgeon said everything seemed to go well... after 12 days in a splint/cast, I had the bandages removed and see that I have a 3.5" incision on the inside of my elbow which looks like it is healing well.

What I'm wondering is how long before it would be safe for me to start diving again? I guess to transpose the nerve, it was necessary for some ligaments to be released and sewn back, and for a fascial sling (sp?) to be created. I guess there are concerns about lifting too much right away, etc. I'm supposed to go back in 4 weeks for my 2nd post-op followup, and plan to ask this then, as well.

I got my open water certification just a week or two before surgery, and I haven't been back in the water since, so I'm definitely eager to get started on my diving adventures as soon as I can.

Thanks in advance for your input,
Bryan

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Bryan,

"This looks like the right place to post this question... lots of knowledgable folks about, it looks like!"

Well, there lots of folks posting in this forum, but very few of them are medical professionals with a knowledge of diving medicine. There's a fair amount of incorrect, and sometimes even dangerous, info floating around.

In any event, the short answer to the inquiry is, "When the surgeon releases the patient for full physical activity, including scuba."

There are a variety of causes of cubital tunnel syndrome and a number of surgical intervention techniques. What you describe sounds like anterior transposition, a major procedure.

It is important that healing of the surgical wounds be complete and that signs and symptoms that pose risks to safe scuba are not present. The range of motion of the joint, and sensation, strength and flexibility of the affected arm and hand, should be appropriate for the demands of diving.

In general, the sooner one is able to begin rehabilitation, and the more dedicated they are in performing it, the faster the return of function.

While a number of factors contribute to delay in return to full physical activity, it likely will be 8-12 weeks.

Helpful?

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Bryan]

Hi DocVikingo,

Yes, that information was very helpful, thank you very much! It sounds like the physical therapy is going to be key to how fast I can start diving again.

While I haven't been asked to see a physical therapist yet, I was advised to go ahead and start moving the arm as much as comfortable since my range of motion was not restricted, only how much I can lift with the arm (max 3 lbs for the next 4 weeks). I was also advised to work towards being able to touch my right shoulder with my right hand, which I've been able to do for a few days now.

My doctor also released me to swimming whenever I felt comfortable doing so as long as I didn't put any strain on the arm, so I will probably be able to start working on my snorkeling and finning techniques.

Thanks again for the insight... I'll do my best to stick with the physical therapy regimin once it begins, and in the meantime I'll try to improve range of motion and flexibility.

I'll just keep telling myself that 8-12 weeks isn't that long!

Thanks again!

--Bryan