Ulnar nerve decompression
A neurosurgeon may advise that a person has an ulnar nerve decompression if they have a large amount of pain in their elbow region caused by ulnar nerve syndrome and if non-operative measures have been unsuccessful.
An anaesthetist will usually administer a local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation for an ulnar nerve decompression. After this, a neurosurgeon will make an incision along a patient’s elbow to expose the ulnar nerve. They will then observe and use fine microsurgical instruments to explore, decompress and free the nerve from adhesions.
They may use an operating microscope to reconnect and repair the damaged nerve to ensure that fascicles or delicate bundles of fibres inside it are properly aligned.
