by Liz Bonis, WKRC | Click here to see the full interview.

CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Elbow pain can significantly impact daily activities, but a simple surgical procedure may offer relief, according to the team at OrthoCincy. The surgery targets the ulnar nerve, which plays a crucial role in both sensation and function of the elbow.

Dr. Michael Greiwe, an elbow surgeon at OrthoCincy, explained, “It’s basically where we move the ulnar nerve and put it in a better place so that patients’ symptoms can get better.”

The ulnar nerve’s influence is extensive, often causing numbness and tingling in the fingers, as well as a loss of grip strength. Dr. Greiwe said, “Typically there’s a lot of numbness and tingling in these two fingers and people can have a loss of grip strength and that type of thing.”

The procedure involves releasing the compressed nerve and relocating it to a safer position to alleviate pressure. Dr. Greiwe noted that while the condition can affect anyone, it is more common in overhead athletes, such as pitchers and volleyball players, and typically occurs in patients over 40 years of age.