Ulnar nerve transposition

CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME


If you're experiencing numbness and tingling in your hand, ulnar nerve transposition will help ease your symptoms

Enquiries & Appointments

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What is an ulnar nerve?

Your ulnar nerve runs along a groove in the inside of the elbow, just behind a bony structure called the medial epicondyle. It's covered by tissue which forms a structure called the cubital tunnel.

If the ulnar nerve becomes compressed, it can cause tingling and numbness in your hand and fingers. Compression can be caused by prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve such as leaning your arm on a desk for too long.

The ulnar nerve transposition procedure helps to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve (nervus ulnaris) by relocating it.

Need to know

If your ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, your surgeon will make a five inch cut at the back (anterior) of your arm. The nerve is then moved from behind the medial epicondyle to a place just in front of it. This stops it getting caught on the bony ridge and hurting when you bend your elbow.

Your surgeon may also move the nerve to lie on top of the muscle just under the skin and fat or within the muscle. This procedure takes place under general anaesthetic. 

Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have. Because general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, you may need to fast for several hours before the operation. Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects. Your consultant will explain these to you.

This operation is carried out as an outpatients appointment, so you'll go home the same day. When you wake up, your arm will be placed in a sling. You will need to wear the sling for the first two or three days.

You will not be able to drive for around two weeks and you should book a fortnight off work. This is a fairly straightforward procedure, but it may take a few months before your symptoms improve.

Our Ulnar nerve transposition locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital

The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients

Chiswick Outpatients

Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients

Chelsea Outpatients

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.