The ulnar nerve, which travels from the neck down into the hand, can be constricted in several places. However, the most common place for compression is behind the inside part of the elbow.
Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is known as cubital tunnel syndrome, and numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers are the usual symptoms.
When non-surgical treatments such as changes in activities and bracing do not work or if the nerve compression is causing muscle weakness, the patient will most likely need surgery. Surgery for the ulnar nerve can be performed arthroscopically, which allows the patient to leave the hospital on the same day.
There are multiple surgical approaches to treat cubital tunnel syndrome – cubital tunnel release, ulnar nerve anterior transposition, and medial epicondylectomy. They are performed by orthopedic surgeons as follows:
The results of surgery to treat cubital tunnel syndrome are generally very good, especially when a surgeon with years of experience performs the procedure. Each method has a similar success rate. If the nerve is severely compressed or if there is muscle wasting, the nerve may not return to normal, and some bothersome symptoms may remain even after the procedure. Since nerves recover slowly, it may take longer to know how well the nerve will do after the surgery.
Recovery from cubital tunnel syndrome surgery highly depends on which procedure the patient underwent. After a transposition, for instance, they may have to spend 3 to 6 weeks in a splint. They may have to spend just 3 weeks in a splint for less intensive procedures.