Ulnar Nerve/Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Nonoperative management with rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and elbow pads/braces are typically considered as the first line of treatment for patients with ulnar nerve problems. The majority of patients will have improvement in their symptoms with these simple treatment methods. For those who continue to have problems despite these treatments, consideration may be given to an injection in the area of nerve compression/inflammation. If symptoms are persistent or severe, surgery may be considered. This typically consists of releasing the tight cubital tunnel that is compressing the nerve, and this is referred to as “nerve decompression.” In some cases where the nerve is unstable or does not tend to stay in its normal location, the nerve is actually moved out of the tunnel altogether and secured in a safer location. This is referred to as a “nerve transposition.”  

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