I recently had ORIF surgery on my right elbow and now my arm falls asleep at night. What is causing this? Help

Question

I have metal plates and screws in my right elbow to fix my arm back together from a MVA. My last surgery was 2 months ago where bone had to be taken from my hip and inplanted in my elbow. For the past 3 weeks my arm has been falling asleep during the night and the pain is unbearable. I am worried there is something wrong. I don't have carpal tunnel. I have heard that when your younger your arm and legs hurt during the night because they are growing. Could this be true? Or could it be nerve damage?

Answer 1

You have to see your orthopedic surgeon at once. There are a lot of possibilities that could result to this. It is either an internal regeneration of your nerves, meaning repairing process, or could be nerve damage. You must also take note of your sleeping position. Make sure you don't sleep on your arms at night.

Answer 2

You really have to consult your Orthopedic Surgeon. You might be having an infection coming from inside. You will feel deep,nagging,dull pain if the bones are involve while sharp,shooting pain if it is your nerve. 2 months is already very long to be feeling such pain. You should be recovering and almost half way on your Arm rehab.

Answer 3

It sounds like nerve damage to me. Or more likely your nerves could be regenerating. A serious surgery like you have had may take a while to recover from. Your doctor should be giving you more information. You need to make an appointment and tell him or her what is going on and get answers to your questions.

Answer 4

If you did not sign a paper before the operation saying that you understand that that might happen to you, then you need to see a lawyer right away. You do not pay them anything. They only get money after the doctor agrees to pay you.

Answer 5

please call your doctors and ask them this