Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road London W1T 7HA
Ulnar nerve transposition
CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
If you're experiencing numbness and tingling in your hand, ulnar nerve transposition will help ease your symptoms
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 Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street London W1W 5AH
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street London W1G 6PU
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road London NW8 7JA
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road
280 King's Road London SW3 5AW
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre London NW11 9PY
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.