After surgery for elbow nerve injury, it is recommended to keep the arm elevated for 24 to 48 hours to prevent swelling. Usually, it will be necessary to wear a splint on the elbow for several weeks to promote healing, and the patient should move their fingers and apply ice packs, which will help prevent stiffness.
The majority of patients can resume most of their daily activities shortly after the procedure. Their physician will tell them which movements and activities to avoid and may suggest physical therapy exercises to build strength and mobility in the elbow. Depending on the nature of their job, the patient may be able to return to work within one to two weeks following surgery, but they will have to limit their workload and avoid physically demanding tasks.
Full recovery is typically achieved 6 weeks following the procedure, but the time may vary depending on how severe the elbow nerve injury was. In the long run, mild symptoms will disappear completely, while severe symptoms may take longer to alleviate or may never fully disappear.