Cubital tunnel release is a procedure that relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the inner elbow. Dr. Cole performs cubital tunnel release in Memphis for cubital tunnel syndrome that causes constant numbness or hand weakness and does not improve with splinting and activity changes.
Jeff Cole performs cubital tunnel release in Memphis when it is the right step, and reviews every alternative with you first.
Who performs cubital tunnel release in Memphis?
Jeff Cole is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who performs cubital tunnel release in Memphis, TN. Fellowship trained at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish Hospital - St. Louis, MO (Surgery of the Hand & Upper Extremity). Dr. Cole sees patients at the practice in Memphis; appointments can be requested through this site.
What do patients ask most?
Will the nerve be moved during surgery?+
How soon will the numbness improve?+
Is it a same-day surgery?+
Can symptoms come back after surgery?+
What is Cubital Tunnel Release?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is pressure on the ulnar nerve, the nerve behind the funny bone, as it passes through a narrow channel on the inner side of the elbow.
The pressure causes numbness in the ring and little fingers and can weaken the hand.
Cubital tunnel release relieves that pressure. In some cases the surgeon also moves the nerve to a roomier position in front of the elbow so it is not stretched when the elbow bends.
The procedure is usually done as an outpatient. It is chosen when non-surgical care does not hold, when numbness is constant, or when nerve testing shows the nerve is being damaged.
What happens during Cubital Tunnel Release, step by step?
In a simple decompression, the surgeon opens the tight tissue over the cubital tunnel so the ulnar nerve has more room.
In a transposition, the surgeon moves the nerve to the front of the elbow so it is not stretched or pinched when the elbow bends. Which approach fits depends on how the nerve behaves and your anatomy. Your physician will explain the plan and what to expect. The surgery is usually done through an incision on the inner elbow.
What is recovery like after Cubital Tunnel Release?
Recovery varies with the technique used.
A simple decompression often allows earlier elbow motion, while a transposition may involve a period of protected motion. Numbness and tingling can improve gradually over weeks to months, and nerve recovery continues over a longer period, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises. If the nerve was compressed for a long time, some numbness or weakness may remain. Your physician and therapist will guide your recovery.
Read the full guide to preparing for surgery →
Your own recovery instructions come from the office and are specific to you. This page describes the general course, not a plan to follow.
How do payments work?
Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.
Fellowship trained at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish Hospital - St. Louis, MO (Surgery of the Hand & Upper Extremity). Sees patients in Memphis.
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