Guyons Canal Syndrome

Category

Nerve Blocks

Guyon’s canal syndrome is a condition that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in certain hand areas. The Guyon canal is a tunnel in the wrist through which the ulnar nerve (one of three nerves supplying the hand) and the ulnar artery pass to enter into the hand. As a result, Guyon canal syndrome is also known as ulnar tunnel syndrome.

The most common cause of Guyon’s canal syndrome is a ganglion cyst. It is a fluid-filled growth that develops on the wrist and compresses the nerve. Tumors and anatomical abnormalities also cause this disorder.

Certain factors that increase the risk of getting Guyon’s canal syndrome include:

• Cycling and weightlifting
• Injury or blunt trauma of the wrist that causes wrist bone fractures or dislocations
• Repetitive activities that put pressure on the wrist
• Occupations or activities involving the use of vibrating tools

Symptoms

• Pain in hand on the little finger side
• Numbness and tingling in the little and the ring finger
• Weakness in the hand
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Difficulty gripping or pinching

Diagnosis:

Symptoms

• Medical history
• Physical examination

Imaging tests to check for bone fractures, dislocation, other wrist injuries and help rule out other possible conditions such as arthritis. Imaging         tests include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasound.

Ultrasound examination of the ulnar nerve may show thickening of nerve.

Treatment

• Pain killer

Reducing and modifying activities that compress the nerve and cause the symptoms.

Physical therapy to relieve symptoms and decrease hand weakness.

 Ultrasound guided hydrodissection of nerve with or without steroid injection gives very good results

What does the procedure involve?

The doctor will clean the area over the region of interest and insert a small needle into the target area under imaging guidance. When it is in the correct position, they will inject the drug. They will remove the needle and cover the injection site with a small dressing.

What you are to do before procedure (Preparation)?

1. Book prior appointment if elective or get admission in causality if emergency
2. Lab investigation (*PT/INR, CBC), XRAY, CT/MRI scan and previous records.
3. 2-3 Hours fasting.
4. If you are on blood thinner like Aspirin, inform during appointment.
5. One accompanying person
6. Need to sign a consent form for procedure

Approx. Stay in hospital?

We have very fast and competent working team (Consultant, fellow, clinical assistant, technician and ward assistant) which provide you comfortable atmosphere and ease your nerves. Usual time of stay is few hours

Complications

Every procedure carries a risk, although this is extremely small. The risk of infection with this procedure is extremely small as no incisions are made in the skin.  

Resume to work?

You can resume your work after 1 day if existing disease allows.