Cubital Tunnel Release — In Situ

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling; no resistance strengthening until 4-6 weeks; avoid repetitive full elbow flexion and shoulder horizontal ABD in Phase 3; may use soft elbow flexion blocking splint at night

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): optional elbow splint at surgeon discretion, finger AROM; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): ulnar nerve glides, AROM elbow/wrist/shoulder; Phase 3 (6-12 wks): progressive UE strengthening, intrinsic and scapular stabilization, avoid repetitive full elbow flexion initially

Notes

May continue soft elbow flexion blocking splint at night as needed; ulnar nerve glides throughout; splint use at surgeon discretion

Published

09/2024