Spinal Decompression
Ulnar Nerve Decompression Surgery
Ulnar Nerve Decompression in Phoenix, AZ — Relieve a Compressed Nerve at the Elbow - the “Funny Bone” Nerve.
The ulnar nerve runs from the neck through the arm to the hand, passing through narrow tunnels at the elbow (cubital tunnel) and wrist (Guyon’s canal). When the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome), decompression relieves the hand numbness and weakness it causes. This condition is often called cubital tunnel syndrome. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS offers ulnar nerve decompression surgery for patients who don’t improve with bracing, activity changes, or injections. Using minimally invasive and microsurgical techniques, we relieve nerve pressure to restore function and prevent permanent damage.
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The ulnar nerve can become compressed at the elbow — cubital tunnel syndrome — causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers and weakening the hand. Ulnar nerve decompression relieves that pressure. As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Greenwald brings deep nerve expertise to this peripheral-nerve procedure.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How Ulnar Nerve Decompression Works
Procedure Overview
The ulnar nerve runs behind the inner elbow through the cubital tunnel — the “funny bone” area. When it's compressed there, it causes numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, elbow discomfort, and, over time, weakening of the hand (cubital tunnel syndrome). Ulnar nerve decompression releases the tissue crowding the nerve, and in some cases repositions the nerve to a less exposed path.
Conditions We Treat
Am I a Candidate?
Decompression is considered when symptoms persist despite conservative measures — activity changes, elbow padding, and night splinting — or when there's weakness or nerve changes on nerve testing. As with carpal tunnel, part of the evaluation is confirming the elbow (not the neck) is the source — an advantage of seeing a spine and nerve specialist.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Directly relieves a compressed ulnar nerve; usually outpatient; improves hand numbness, tingling, and strength for most patients; evaluated by a surgeon who can also rule out a neck source.
Risks include soreness, infection, stiffness, and, uncommonly, incomplete relief or nerve irritation. Dr. Greenwald reviews your individual risks beforehand.
Expected Outcomes
Ulnar nerve decompression reliably relieves the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome for most patients, especially when treated before long-standing compression causes permanent changes. Numbness and tingling often improve first, with strength recovering as the nerve heals. We set clear, individualized expectations based on your nerve testing and symptoms.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
The procedure is typically outpatient. Through an incision at the inner elbow, the tissue compressing the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel is released. If the nerve tends to slip or remains irritated, it may be moved (transposed) to a protected position in front of the elbow. The area is closed and you go home the same day.
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Greenwald at an affiliated, accredited surgical facility — not in the clinic office — with a full surgical and anesthesia team.
Recovery & Return to Activity
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First week | Outpatient procedure; a soft dressing or splint may be used. Gentle elbow motion as directed. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Gradual return to activity; therapy may help restore motion and strength. |
| Weeks 4–8 | Most activities resume; hand symptoms continue to improve. |
| Months 3–6 | Nerve recovery continues; most patients regain strength and sensation. |
Recovery depends on whether a simple release or a nerve transposition was performed, and on how long the nerve was compressed. Nerve symptoms typically keep improving over several months.
Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost
Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.
Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area
Patients travel to Desert Spine and Pain from across Arizona for specialist spine care — because the right spine surgeon is worth the drive. We welcome patients from Phoenix and communities throughout the Valley and beyond:
…and surrounding Arizona communities. Out-of-network patients are welcome, and no referral is required — schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.
A rare dual credential — so the specialist who treats you can also perform surgery if it's ever needed.
Most patients get better without surgery. We only advance when your condition truly requires it.
No referral needed. We make it straightforward to see a top spine specialist, even out-of-network.
24/7 concierge response and close coordination with personal-injury attorneys.
Relieve the pressure at your elbow.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix to find out whether ulnar nerve decompression is right for you.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Ulnar Nerve Decompression: Frequently Asked Questions
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
It's compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers and, over time, hand weakness — the nerve equivalent of carpal tunnel, but at the elbow.
Will the nerve be moved?
Sometimes. If the nerve slips or remains irritated, it may be transposed to a protected position in front of the elbow. Otherwise a simple release is performed.
How soon will my hand improve?
Numbness and tingling often improve first, with strength recovering as the nerve heals over the following months — better the earlier it's treated.
Why see a neurosurgeon for this?
It's a compressed nerve, squarely within a neurosurgeon's expertise — and the evaluation can confirm the elbow, not the neck, is the source.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix specialists, and we welcome out-of-network patients.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or forearm, Ulnar Nerve Decompression may provide the relief you need. Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team will perform a thorough evaluation, review diagnostic imaging or nerve studies, and recommend the best treatment for your symptoms. Every step you take toward specialized nerve care brings you closer to restored comfort and confidence. Schedule your consultation today and let Dr. Greenwald help you regain strength and mobility in your arm and hand.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS
Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon with advanced expertise in ulnar nerve decompression. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as pinched nerve (cubital tunnel syndrome), which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, Dr. Greenwald relieves nerve compression and instability while protecting healthy tissue and preserving spinal stability. His skill and patient-centered approach help patients throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area experience meaningful pain relief, reduced recovery time, and restored mobility.
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