The ulnar nerve is one of the 3 main nerves in the arm that travels down from the neck through a bony protuberance inside the elbow (medial epicondyle), under the muscles of the forearm and down the hand on the side of the palm, towards the little finger. The ulnar nerve helps in controlling most of the hand muscles, which carry out fine movements, as well as some bigger forearm muscles, which help in making a strong grip.
The ulnar nerve can be constricted at several places, which results in nerve entrapment. The compression pressure on the nerve can cause pain and numbness in various parts of the arm. Compression of the nerve occurs most commonly at the elbow and is called cubital tunnel syndrome. Ulnar nerve transposition is a surgical procedure performed to transpose or move the ulnar nerve forward to relieve pressure or pinching.
Ulnar nerve transposition is indicated to relieve the pressure placed on the compressed ulnar nerve. Conditions that may require ulnar nerve transposition include:
Before undergoing the ulnar nerve transposition surgery, your doctor will carry out a complete clinical examination and order a nerve conduction test. This test checks the “wiring” of your arm and shows where your nerve is compressed.
Ulnar nerve transposition is performed under general or regional anesthesia.
Incision and nerve location: Your surgeon will make an incision on the inner aspect of the elbow and locate the ulnar nerve.
Transposition: Your surgeon then carefully moves the ulnar nerve from under the medial epicondyle and positions it in front of it (anterior transposition). The nerve is placed on top of the muscle, under the skin and fat (subcutaneous transposition). The incision will then be sutured. The anterior transposition prevents nerve entrapment at the elbow and stretching of the nerve when the elbow is bent.
Following the procedure, the elbow is set with a splint at an angle of 90 degrees. The bent position of the elbow is maintained for a few weeks. After your elbow is removed from the splint, you will start motion exercises of the elbow. If you have difficulty regaining elbow motion, you may be sent for formal physical therapy. You can resume regular activities after consulting with your doctor.
As with any surgical procedure, ulnar nerve transposition involves certain risks and complications. Some of the complications that may occur include:
