Ulnar nerve transposition is a procedure that moves the ulnar nerve from a compressed position behind the elbow to a protected location. When the nerve becomes pinched near the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inner elbow, you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow care.
He completed his sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. His practice offers detailed procedure planning for elbow conditions, including ulnar nerve transposition.
Ulnar Nerve Transposition Overview
Ulnar nerve transposition addresses cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition where the ulnar nerve gets compressed as it passes through the cubital tunnel along the inner elbow. This nerve controls sensation in the ring and small fingers and powers several hand muscles. When the nerve is pinched against the medial epicondyle, it cannot glide smoothly during elbow movement.
The surgery relocates the nerve from behind the bony bump to a new position either under or over muscle tissue. This gives the nerve more room and reduces tension during elbow flexion. Patients from Los Angeles and nearby communities like Beverly Hills seek this procedure when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
Symptoms Indicating The Need For Surgery
You might consider ulnar nerve transposition when nonsurgical options have not helped. Common signs include persistent numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, especially when the elbow is bent for long periods. Some people notice hand weakness that makes gripping objects or typing difficult.
Muscle wasting in the hand is a more serious indicator that nerve compression has been present for a while. A feeling of clumsiness or dropping items can also point to advanced nerve dysfunction.
Dr. Jazayeri follows a non-surgical-first approach, exploring therapy and injections before recommending surgery. When symptoms persist despite these measures, ulnar nerve transposition may be the next step.
Procedure Steps For Ulnar Nerve Transposition
The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision along the inner elbow to access the ulnar nerve. The nerve is carefully released from any tight bands of tissue that are compressing it.
Next, the nerve is moved from behind the medial epicondyle to a new position in front of the bony prominence. It can be placed either subcutaneously, just under the skin and fat, or submuscularly, beneath a layer of muscle. The new location protects the nerve from stretching during elbow movement.
A splint is applied after surgery to keep the elbow in a bent position for two to four weeks. This allows the soft tissues to heal around the relocated nerve.
Recovery Timeline After Ulnar Nerve Surgery
Recovery follows a structured timeline that varies by individual. The initial splint stays in place for two to four weeks, and you will need to avoid heavy lifting during this period. Most patients can return to light daily activities within a few weeks, though full recovery typically takes three to six months.
Numbness and tingling often improve first, while strength returns more gradually. Dr. Jazayeri incorporates prehabilitation into his surgical protocol, preparing patients before surgery with structured conditioning.
His practice also provides detailed pre-op and post-op instruction pages to guide you through each phase. Patients across the Greater Los Angeles area benefit from this organized approach to surgical recovery.
Role Of Physical Therapy In Recovery
Physical therapy is a central part of regaining function after ulnar nerve transposition. A therapist guides you through range-of-motion exercises once the splint is removed. Gentle nerve gliding movements help the ulnar nerve adapt to its new path and prevent scar tissue from restricting motion.
Strengthening exercises for the hand and forearm are added gradually as healing progresses. Therapy also focuses on reducing any residual pain and restoring coordination.
Dr. Jazayeri offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack, a remote recovery program that supports patients between in-person visits. This resource is available to patients in Los Angeles and across California, making it easier to stay on track with rehabilitation.
Benefits Of Ulnar Nerve Transposition Surgery
The primary benefit of ulnar nerve transposition is intended to relieve the numbness, tingling, and pain caused by nerve compression. Many patients regain hand strength and coordination, which improves their ability to perform work tasks and daily activities. Moving the nerve to a protected position can prevent further damage when compression has been present for a long time.
The procedure also addresses the mechanical problem at its source rather than only managing symptoms. Dr. Jazayeri applies minimally invasive techniques throughout his practice, which may reduce tissue disruption during surgery. His clinical approach includes nutritional and metabolic optimization, with preoperative lab testing for vitamin D, inflammatory markers, and additional factors as indicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ulnar nerve transposition surgery is a procedure that moves the ulnar nerve from a compressed position behind the elbow to a safer location. This helps relieve symptoms like numbness and tingling in the hand caused by conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome.
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Common symptoms include persistent numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, especially when the elbow is bent. If you experience hand weakness or muscle wasting, it may be time to consider surgery after trying other treatments.
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Recovery typically involves wearing a splint for two to four weeks to keep the elbow bent. Full recovery can take three to six months, during which physical therapy is crucial for restoring function and reducing pain.
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Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength and motion after surgery. Therapists guide you through exercises that help the ulnar nerve adapt to its new position and improve hand coordination.
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Dr. Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. He focuses on minimally invasive techniques and personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives the attention they deserve.
Why Choose Us For Ulnar Nerve Transposition
When it comes to ulnar nerve transposition, you want a surgeon who understands the intricacies of elbow care. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience.
He specializes in sports medicine and has a strong focus on elbow conditions. His training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles equips him with advanced techniques for your needs.
At our practice, we prioritize your comfort and recovery. Dr. Jazayeri follows a non-surgical-first approach, exploring therapy options before recommending surgery.
“If surgery is necessary, he uses minimally invasive techniques.” Our structured prehabilitation program prepares you for the procedure, ensuring a smoother recovery process.
We are dedicated to providing personalized care. Every patient receives the same level of attention that Dr. Jazayeri would give to his own family. With convenient locations in Los Angeles and Westlake Village, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Dr. Jazayeri, took care of both my shoulder replacements. I am exceptionally happy with his care and the quality of time he spent with me. Both my shoulders are now feeling great. I’m able to do all the activities that I have previously thought was never possible. I got denied by multiple surgeons who told me this was gonna be impossible given the advanced deformation from my previous injuries . Dr. Jazayeri was able to take me through both sides and gave me the comfort and confidence I needed, and now I’m able to go back to golf, tennis and pick up my grandkids. Highly recommend him!!
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If elbow pain, numbness, or hand weakness is affecting your daily life, a consultation can help you understand whether ulnar nerve transposition is right for you. He provides convenient access for those traveling from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities.
Virtual consultations are also available for patients across California and beyond. Every patient receives the same level of care and attention he would give to his own family and friends. Contact the practice today to schedule your evaluation and learn more about your treatment options for ulnar nerve transposition in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
