Cubital tunnel release surgery

When is cubital tunnel release surgery recommended?

Non-surgical treatments may help mild cases of cubital tunnel syndrome. These can include making changes to your regular physical activity, wearing splints, attending physiotherapy sessions, and anti-inflammatory medication.

If these prove unsuccessful, surgery may be the answer. It will be recommended if:

• symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment
• numbness becomes more frequent
• hand weakness gets worse
• symptoms are affecting sleep or daily activities
• nerve tests show ongoing compression or nerve damage.

Your consultant will discuss whether surgery is appropriate based on your symptoms and test results.

What is cubital tunnel release surgery?

Cubital tunnel release surgery is a procedure designed to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

The surgery creates more space around the nerve, helping to reduce compression and improve symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and hand weakness.

Types of cubital tunnel surgery

Depending on the specifics of your condition, your surgeon may recommend different techniques.

These may include:

• simple decompression of the ulnar nerve
• ulnar nerve transposition, where the nerve is moved to reduce tension
• medial epicondylectomy in selected cases.

Your consultant will explain which procedure is most suitable for you.

Your cubital tunnel consultation

During your consultation, your specialist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.

He or she may examine your hand, wrist and elbow to assess strength, movement, and sensation.

Questions your consultant may ask

During your consultation, the specialist may ask you the following questions:

• How long have you had symptoms?
• Are symptoms affecting work or hobbies?
• Does bending your elbow worsen symptoms?
• Have you tried splints or physiotherapy?
• Are symptoms disturbing your sleep?

Diagnostic tests

Depending on the findings of your consultation, your consultant may need a second opinion or feel that further investigation is warranted. The most likely course of action here is diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

• nerve conduction studies
• electromyography (EMG)
• ultrasound imaging
• MRI scans.

What to expect (before, during, and after surgery

The information below details the run-up to your procedure, what happens once you’re at the hospital, and what to expect from your recovery.

Preparing for cubital tunnel surgery

Your pre-operative assessment helps ensure surgery is suitable for you and gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your treatment and recovery.

Practical preparation tips

• arrange transport to and from the hospital
• discuss medications with your consultant
• follow fasting instructions carefully (if needed)
• avoid lifting heavy objects.

How is cubital tunnel release surgery performed?

Your surgeon makes a small incision near the inside of the elbow to access the compressed ulnar nerve.

Depending on the specifics of your condition, the procedure may involve:

• releasing tight tissue around the nerve
• repositioning the nerve
• reducing tension on surrounding structures.

How long does surgery take?

Cubital tunnel release surgery typically takes between 30 – 60 minutes.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Most patients are able to return home on the same day as their surgery. When you’re discharged, you’ll get detailed guidance and aftercare advice.

Cubital tunnel surgery recovery timeline

So, what will my recovery look like? It’s important to remember everyone is different but the timeline below provides a rough guide of what to expect.

Week 1

• return home on the same day
• mild swelling and soreness is common
• gentle movement is encouraged
• avoid heavy lifting

Weeks 2-4

• return to desk-based work may be possible
• gradual improvement in symptoms
• driving is usually possible once safe

Weeks 4-6

• return to more normal daily activity
• gradual return to exercise
• ongoing improvement in hand strength.

Long-term recovery

Nerve recovery may continue for several months. The speed at which you recover will depend on the severity and duration of compression before surgery.

Benefits of private cubital tunnel surgery

Choosing to have your cubital tunnel release surgery privately will likely help you access diagnosis and treatment sooner.

Benefits of private treatment at Practice Plus Group may include:

• shorter waiting times
• fast access to specialist consultations
• flexible appointment availability
• experienced orthopaedic consultants
• personalised, consistent care with follow-up support
• transparent self-pay pricing
• private medical insurance options.

Risks and complications of cubital tunnel surgery

While complications are rare, as with any operation, cubital tunnel release surgery carries some risks. These risks include:

• infection
• bleeding
• scarring
• temporary soreness or stiffness
• persistent numbness or weakness
• nerve irritation
• symptoms returning in future.

Your consultant will discuss the potential benefits and risks during your consultation.

Private cubital tunnel surgery costs in the UK

Private cubital tunnel surgery in the UK typically ranges from £2,500 to £4,000 depending on the provider, hospital and complexity of treatment.

At Practice Plus Group the cost breakdown for cubital tunnel surgery is as follows:

• initial consultation: £145
• cubital tunnel release surgery: £2,449
• total cost: £2,594

What’s included?

At Practice Plus Group, your treatment package includes:

• the pre-operative assessment
• anaesthetist fees
• theatre and hospital costs
• day-case admission
• standard post-operative follow-up
• prescriptions and dressings.

Ways to pay

You can access cubital tunnel release surgery at Practice Plus Group via one of the following ways:

• self-pay private healthcare
• private medical insurance
• NHS referral

Finance options may also be available at selected locations.

Find cubital tunnel surgeons in the UK

Cubital tunnel treatment is available at the following Practice Plus Group locations:

• Barlborough
• Birmingham
• Devizes
• Emersons Green
• Ilford
• Plymouth
• Shepton Mallet
• Southampton
• St Mary’s, Portsmouth

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals, we provide first-class care from first-class consultants and surgeons. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to patient-centred care, we’re dedicated to ensuring comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout your surgical journey.

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.