The ulnar nerve transmits sensation and motor function to your lower arm and hand. If this nerve is compressed as it passes through the elbow or wrist, the result is pain, weakness or tingling in this area. Ulnar nerve entrapment is also known as bicycler’s neuropathy, Guyon canal syndrome and other names.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Why Choose Johns Hopkins

• The experts at Johns Hopkins treat the range of neurological problems from the common to the very rare. More expertise ensures accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

• For treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment, you will benefit from our multidisciplinary approach, with insights from neurology, neurosurgery and orthopaedics.

• Our holistic approach addresses the total well-being of the patient. You can rely on our experience, successful surgical outcome record and access to quality hospital care.

Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Depending on the severity of your ulnar nerve entrapment, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, which can strengthen the ligaments and tendons in your elbow and hand. Oral anti-inflammatory medications may ease pain and inflammation.

Wearing braces or splints can limit excessive movement, give your arm a chance to heal and prevent the problem from getting worse.

In severe cases of ulnar nerve entrapment, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure on your elbow or wrist to release pressure from the nerve.

Your Peripheral Nerve Surgery Team

Surgeons

Allan Joel Belzberg, M.D.

Director, Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Co-Director, Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute
George J. Heuer Professor of Neurosurgery
Co-Director, Kennedy Krieger Pediatric Nerve Injury Program
Professor of Neurosurgery
Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

 

Richard James Redett, III, M.D.

Director, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Director, Cleft Lip and Palate Center
Director, Genitourinary Transplant Program
Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Professor of Pediatrics

 

Jaimie Troyal Shores, M.D.

Clinical Director, Hand/Arm Transplant Program, Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Transplant Center
Program Director, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship
Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

 

Advanced Practitioners

• Bronwyn Slobogan, P.A.

Patient Resources

Learn more about ulnar nerve entrapment.