Hi Sawfish,

I am sorry to hear of your injury but glad it isn't worse. You seem well apprised of nerve injury issues but an extra resource if you need it is...

http://nerve.wustle.edu

This is the program at Washington University and is home to Dr. Susan Mackinnon who is one of the biggies in peripheral nerve surgery. She leads breakthrough research and trains the next generation of peripheral nerve surgeons.

It never hurts to get information. Many hand surgeons will be savvy of nerve issues but finding one who has done a peripheral nerve fellowship is even better. At most a consult could identify problems or a treatment plan and at least could ease your mind. Some nerve specialists will do a "Scratch Collapse test" to check for injury and they can use this to monitor progress. You can find Youtube video of Dr. Mackinnon doing them.

From personal experience I can say that nerves are really sensitive to compression and it can be difficult to tease out what's going on. I had a partial transection and traumatic neuroma on a tibial branch that required a 3.5 hour repair. My surgery was successful and life changing (pain was off the charts) but I did have lingering symptoms for a long time due to compression from swelling and scar tissue. I had my surgery done by a plastic reconstructive surgeon who completed a fellowship at Washington U. I'm not saying you need surgery by any means. Just recommending the best sub-specialty to evaluate.

I also found help with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor who does ultrasound of peripheral nerves. He noted the presence of scar compression post-op and actually did guided cortisone injections to diminish it without having to go back in surgically. Explore your options.

I suspect that bruising is not helping things. That alone could be enough pressure to cause symptoms. It is a tight area in there and it may be hard to evaluate until that is resolved. But again, if it eases your mind go ahead and initiate a consult.

I hope you find complete healing soon,