About Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Key Highlights
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Alleviates pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.Prevents permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting in the hand.Restores grip strength and fine motor function.Offers both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options.Typically performed on an outpatient basis with a relatively quick recovery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers.
- Weakness in the hand, especially a weakened grip or difficulty with finger coordination.
- Muscle wasting in the hand (particularly the muscles between the bones).
- Failure of conservative treatments (e.g., bracing, therapy, activity modification) after 3-6 months.
- Severe or worsening symptoms that interfere with daily activities or sleep.
- Evidence of significant nerve compression on electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS).
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough neurological examination and diagnostic tests (EMG/NCS) to confirm the diagnosis.
- Discuss all medications, supplements, and allergies with your neurologist and surgeon.
- You may be asked to stop certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) several days before surgery.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility, as you will not be able to drive.
- Fast (no food or drink) for the period instructed by your medical team, typically after midnight before the procedure.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the elbow and arm.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma (collection of blood).
- Damage to surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or tendons.
- Persistent or recurrent symptoms if the nerve is not fully decompressed.
- Scar tissue formation that could lead to renewed nerve irritation.
- Stiffness or loss of elbow motion.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- The arm will be placed in a splint or bulky dressing initially to protect the surgical site.
- Keep the incision clean and dry; follow specific instructions for wound care and bathing.
- Manage pain with prescribed or over-the-counter medications as directed.
- Begin gentle finger, wrist, and eventually elbow motion exercises as advised by your therapist.
- Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling with the affected arm for several weeks.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and nerve function.
- Full recovery of strength and sensation can take several months, depending on the severity of initial nerve damage.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cubital tunnel syndrome in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cubital tunnel syndrome in India include KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cubital tunnel syndrome. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cubital tunnel syndrome compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 6-12 weeks for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 6-12 weeks for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cubital tunnel syndrome.
Sarah Saxena, a 42-year-old software developer...
Sarah Saxena, a 42-year-old software developer and mother of two, began experiencing a persistent tingling and numbness in her right ring and little fingers about a year ago. Initially dismissing it as fatigue from long hours at the keyboard, the symptoms worsened. She started dropping her coffee mug and her phone, and the numbness became a constant, burning ache that woke her at night. Her primary care physician referred her to a neurologist. After nerve conduction studies confirmed severe ulnar nerve compression at the elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome), the neurologist recommended a cubital tunnel release with anterior transposition surgery, as conservative measures like bracing and ergonomic changes had failed. Sarah was terrified of surgery but desperate for relief. The procedure went smoothly. The first week of recovery was challenging, with pain and stiffness, but the nighttime burning vanished immediately. Over six weeks of dedicated physical therapy, strength and sensation gradually returned. Emotionally, she moved from a state of anxious frustration, fearing she might lose her dexterity for work and parenting, to profound relief and optimism. Regaining the ability to hold her children's hands without pain brought her to tears of joy.
Neurologists for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform cubital tunnel syndrome and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 46 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 3 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida