treatment

Last reviewed 01/2018

The treatment of ulnar nerve palsy depends on the site of the lesion:

• at the elbow:
• avoidance of full elbow flexion and pressure on the elbow may be sufficient in mild cases, otherwise
• decompression of the nerve in situ is preferred so as to minimise the risk of devascularising the nerve
• it may be necessary to transfer the nerve to the front of the medial epicondyle
• recovery may be slow and incomplete; often the symptoms are temporarily exacerbated
• the aim is to prevent further deterioration rather than to restore function and this must be explained clearly to the patient

• in the cubital tunnel:
• avoidance of aggravating factors may be sufficient in mild cases
• decompression may be necessary in more severe cases

• at the wrist and in the hand - exploration may be required