www.healthinfo.org.nz
Surgery for ulnar nerve compression
If ulnar nerve compression is causing continuous numbness or weakness in your hand, or if it has
lasted for more than six months, you are likely to need surgery.
How is ulnar nerve compression surgery done?
Surgery for ulnar nerve compression aims to stop
the nerve from being squashed (compressed) by
surrounding tissue. How the surgeon does that
depends on where the problem is.
If your nerve is compressed at your elbow the
surgeon will cut, or release, the band of tissue
over the nerve. They may move the nerve slightly
to the front of your elbow so it lies in a less
pressured area. This also means when you bend
your elbow the nerve stretches less.
If your nerve is compressed at your wrist, the surgeon will make a zig-zag cut at the base of your
wrist, then cut through a ligament to release the pressure on the nerve. They may also remove
any tissue that is pressing on the nerve, such as a ganglion cyst.
Surgery for ulnar nerve compression is usually done under a general anaesthetic (meaning you go
to sleep) or a regional anaesthetic, which numbs all of your arm. A regional anaesthetic can also
be called an arm block, and if you have this you will stay awake for the surgery.
Occasionally it is done under a local anaesthetic (meaning the area is made numb with injections,
but you stay awake).
You can read more about having an anaesthetic on HealthInfo.
If you are being treated by the Canterbury DHB Plastic Surgery Department you will be admitted
to the Day Surgery Unit at Christchurch Hospital, or to the Admitting Unit at Burwood Hospital. If
you are being treated by the Orthopaedic Department you will be admitted to the Admitting Unit
at Burwood Hospital. Most people go home on the same day as their surgery, and don't stay in
hospital overnight.
What are the risks and possible complications of surgery?
All operations carry some risk, and it's important to talk to your surgeon about this before you
decide if you want surgery. Tell your surgeon about any problems you have had with surgery or
healing, including any reactions to medicines. The following risks are not the only risks, but are
the most common or serious ones.
HealthInfo reference: 351295

Issued: 9 May 2017

Page 1 of 2
Surgery for ulnar nerve compression
www.healthinfo.org.nz
Specific risks of ulnar nerve compression surgery

The scar may be sore and tight for a while, even after it has healed. This could affect how long
it takes you to get back to work, and how soon you can do normal day-to-day activities.

The nerves that supply your hand and wrist could be damaged, leading to more numbness or
weakness.

The nerve may still not be fully free from compression, so your symptoms may not totally go
away.


The compression may already have damaged your nerve, so you may not fully recover.
You may get a lot of swelling or a lot of stiffness in your hand and need long-term hand
therapy to recover.

A condition called complex regional pain syndrome (also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy)
may develop. While this is rare, it can cause pain and swelling in your hand that usually lasts
for a few months, but may be permanent.
General surgery risks
Your wound may become infected, and you may need antibiotics. You may bleed excessively, and
you may develop a haematoma (collection of blood) that needs draining. Your wound may take a
long time to heal. You may get what are called hypertrophic scars. These are tender, woody, and
thicker than normal scars. Tell your surgeon if you have had these in the past. You may have an
allergy or reaction to the anaesthetic. Rarely, this can be life-threatening.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by clinical directors, Orthopaedics Department and
Plastics Department, Canterbury DHB. May 2017.
351295
HealthInfo reference: 351295

Issued: 9 May 2017

Page 2 of 2