treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
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