Ulnar nerve decompression in the cubital canal using local anaesthesia

We assessed the outcome of surgical release of the ulnar nerve in the cubit al canal under local anaesthetic. Seven of the 20 patients reported complet e resolution of their preoperative symptoms. Eleven reported significant im provement immediately following surgery and some continuing improvement the reafter. One patient had no significant benefit, and one had complete resol ution, but then his symptoms returned. Sixteen patients stated that they wo uld choose to have the operation performed under local anaesthesia again, b ut four would have favoured a general anaesthetic, We conclude that decompr ession of the ulnar nerve under local anaesthetic is a reliable procedure, which is well tolerated by the majority of patients.