What to expect during surgery:

Cubital tunnel release is generally performed on an outpatient basis.  Dr. Holt will meet you on the day of surgery and review the plan.  You will then be taken back to the operating room where your arm will be cleaned and draped in preparation for surgery. Most commonly, we will use light sedation provided by an Anesthesiologist augmented with local anesthesia injected around the planned incision. A small incision will be made on the inside of your elbow behind the medial epicondyle (“funny bone”).  The ulnar nerve will be visualized and protected while any tight/compressive soft tissue overlying the nerve will be released. The wound will be cleaned and closed with sutures. Your arm will then be placed in a soft dressing.

Pain Control:

Start with simple, but effective pain relief strategies such as ice and elevation.  Especially for the first 2 - 3 days, attempt to keep your hand above your heart as much as possible. This will significantly limit pain and swelling. Next, try over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen. Most patients tolerate these medications well. Take them food, and make sure to check your allergies and/or other medications and medical issues to ensure it is safe to take them. Most patients use little or no narcotic medication after cubital tunnel surgery, but Dr. Holt will provide a small prescription of narcotics if needed. Take them as directed and only as needed.

Dressing/Bandage:

Keep your dressing on until your follow up appointment. Use a plastic bag or waterproof cover over your dressing for showers/hygiene.

Activity:

You may use your hands immediately for light activities of daily living such as feeding yourself, dressing, and using a phone and/or computer. You should avoid lifting/pushing/pulling more than 1 pound and/or the use of power tools and highly repetitive activities for at least 4 – 6 weeks. Additionally, work on the attached finger range of motion exercises multiple times per day. It is very important to begin moving your fingers right after surgery and keep them moving to avoid stiffness.

Additional Information:

After surgery, you should expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness. Dr. Holt will talk to you about when it is safe to return to work. Most patients can return to light work (computer/desk work) within a few days, but it will often take 6 – 8 weeks to return to more demanding work (labor, construction, etc.). Grip and hand strength usually come back within 2-3 months after surgery, but it can take up to a 12 – 18 months to fully recover and obtain maximum improvement. Many patients obtain quick and complete relief of the symptoms.  However, some patients with severe and/or chronic cubital tunnel syndrome, older patients, and patients with certain medical issues may obtain incomplete relief and improvement can be very slow.

Follow-Up:

Your follow up appointment is generally 10 – 14 days after your surgery and should be in your discharge packet on the day of surgery.