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What is Cubital Tunnel Release Surgery?
Cubital tunnel release surgery is designed to relieve nerve compression in the elbow caused by cubital tunnel syndrome. The procedure may involve releasing or repositioning the ulnar nerve to prevent further irritation.
This treatment is typically recommended for patients experiencing:
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the elbow or forearm
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers
- Weakness or reduced grip strength that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments
The procedure is usually performed under local or general anaesthesia and can often be completed as a day-case surgery.
Cubital Tunnel Release Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide personalised care for patients undergoing cubital tunnel release surgery. Our experienced consultants use advanced techniques to ensure effective treatment and support a smooth recovery.
Why choose us for cubital tunnel release surgery?
- Specialist Surgeons: Our consultants have extensive experience in treating nerve compression conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Modern Techniques: We use the latest surgical methods to minimise scarring and promote faster recovery.
- Comprehensive Support: From consultation to post-operative care, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
- Accessible Location: Based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the wider London area.
We are committed to helping you regain comfort and functionality through expert and compassionate care.
Medically reviewed by Mr Abbas Rashid - BSc(Hons) MBBS FRCS(Tr&Orth) on 02/02/2024
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cubital Tunnel Release Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition and the surgical approach used.
The surgery is performed under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort or swelling may occur after surgery but can usually be managed with medication and rest.
Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, but full recovery may take several weeks. Physiotherapy may be recommended to regain strength and flexibility in the arm and hand.
During your recovery, you’ll need to keep your elbow in a splint for security and ensure that you keep an eye on the wound. Some things to look out for include:
- Nerve pain
- Tingling in the little and ring fingers
- Infection
- A worsening of your previous symptoms
Rehabilitation will be overseen by the hand therapy team, with full recovery expected to take 3-6 months until symptoms resolve.
Surgery is recommended for patients with persistent or worsening symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome that have not improved with non-surgical treatments like splinting or physiotherapy.
The surgical process starts with a small incision on the inside of the elbow joint. The next step is for the team to isolate the trapped nerve, once it is identified then the tissue causing the numbness is released.
Before releasing the nerve, the team will ensure there’s no severe swelling, pressure, injury, tension or wound that may be worsened by releasing it. Providing there isn’t, the tunnel release is then complete.
If the nerve is found to be unstable or if there is a risk of it being compressed again in its original position, the surgeon may perform a transposition. Transposition involves carefully moving the ulnar nerve from its current location to a new position, usually to the front of the elbow, where it is less likely to experience compression or irritation.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated at the elbow, leading to a range of symptoms, such as:
- Tingling in the fingers at night
- Tingling in the ring finger and little fingers
- Numbness or weakness when the elbow is bent
- A disturbed sleep from the symptoms suffered
- Muscle weakness in the hand
- Difficulty in grip strength.