Ulnar nerve transposition

CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME


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

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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 Princess Grace Hospital _ 0523_077

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
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City of London - 31 Old Broad Street

City of London 31 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HT London
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Chelsea Outpatients

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
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Chiswick Outpatients

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

The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
Eisman Myers

Golders Green Outpatients

Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
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London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
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The Harborne Hospital

Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
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The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
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The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
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The Portland Hospital

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

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
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The Shard Outpatients

The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
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The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
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The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
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The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire

Patient stories

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