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Treatment

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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

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