The Ulnar Nerve is one of the three major nerves running down the arm into the hand. It functions to provide sensation to the ring and small fingers, as well as providing muscle function and strength to many of the small muscles in the forearm and hand. With progressive ulnar nerve compresison at the elbow or wrist, severe pain, sensory loss and weakness can occur. There are two common nerve compression syndromes that can cause a disturbance to ulnar nerve function. Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is called cubital tunnel syndrome, whereas compression at Guyon’s canal is when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the wrist.
There are a variety of treatments that can help patients who have problems with their ulnar nerves. If medication and the natural healing process are not sufficient, ulnar nerve surgery can relieve the pressure. Our expert surgeons perform ulnar nerve decompression surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome, including a procedure called ulnar nerve transposition. They also commonly relieve compression of the ulnar nerve when there is a problem at the wrist. If you believe you may have an ulnar nerve problem, contact the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction to find out about your nerve reconstruction options.