Consultant hand surgeon · Wide-awake local anaesthetic · Day case
Cubital tunnel surgery in Cardiff
Relief for numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers. Cubital tunnel release under wide-awake local anaesthetic with Mr Alistair Phillips, consultant hand, wrist and elbow surgeon.
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HIW registered
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales
Senior, named clinicians
GMC and NMC registered
Award-winning clinic
Best Private Medical Clinic, Wales
At a glance
Surgery fee
£2,250 all-inclusive
Procedure time
About 20 to 30 minutes
Anaesthetic
Local (WALANT), you stay awake
Back to desk work
Usually 1–2 weeks
First step
Free video consultation
Private cubital tunnel release in Cardiff
Cubital tunnel release (ulnar nerve decompression) frees the ulnar nerve where it is squeezed on the inner side of the elbow, the spot often called the “funny bone”. It is recommended when numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers keep coming back, or when the hand starts to feel weak or clumsy.
At Excel Clinic the operation is done by consultant hand surgeon Mr Alistair Phillips under WALANT (wide awake local anaesthetic, no tourniquet). There is no general anaesthetic or sedation, you go home the same day and no GP referral is needed.
Medically reviewed by Mr Alistair Phillips, MBBS FRCS (Tr & Orth), consultant hand, wrist and elbow surgeon (GMC 4718495). Last updated November 2026.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
The ulnar nerve runs down the arm and passes through a narrow channel on the inner side of the elbow called the cubital tunnel. It supplies feeling to the little finger and half of the ring finger, and controls many of the small muscles in the hand used for fine movements and grip.
When the elbow bends, the nerve is stretched and the space around it narrows. If it is squeezed or irritated for long periods, for example sleeping with the elbow bent or leaning on it, the nerve stops working properly. Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve compression in the arm, after carpal tunnel syndrome.
Common causes
- Keeping the elbow bent for long periods, including while sleeping or on the phone
- Leaning on the elbow, for example at a desk or when driving
- Repetitive elbow bending at work or in sport
- A previous elbow fracture or dislocation
- Arthritis or bone spurs at the elbow
- The nerve slipping over the bony bump on the inner elbow
- Diabetes
Symptoms
- Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers
- Symptoms that are worse with the elbow bent or at night
- Aching on the inner side of the elbow
- Weak grip and clumsiness, such as dropping things
- Difficulty with fine tasks like buttons or typing
- Thinning of the muscles in the hand in long-standing cases
Who is suitable for wide-awake cubital tunnel release?
Mr Phillips performs this operation under local anaesthetic, with you awake. It is best suited to people who:
Have a slim build
In slimmer arms the nerve lies close to the surface at the elbow, so the wide-awake technique is straightforward and comfortable. If you have a larger build, Mr Phillips may recommend surgery in a hospital setting instead.
Have a clear diagnosis
Symptoms that match ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, confirmed by Mr Phillips when he examines you. Nerve conduction studies can be arranged if needed.
Have tried simple measures
Symptoms that continue despite avoiding pressure on the elbow and wearing a night splint, or that are getting worse.
Treatment options
Mild cubital tunnel syndrome often settles with simple changes. Surgery is offered when symptoms persist or the hand is getting weaker.
Avoid pressure and bending
Avoid leaning on the elbow or keeping it bent for long periods, including when on the phone.
Night splint
A padded splint or a towel wrapped around the elbow keeps it straighter while you sleep.
Cubital tunnel release
A short operation to release the tight tissue over the nerve, done wide awake under local anaesthetic.
Your surgeon
Consultant Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgeon
Mr Alistair Phillips
MBBS FRCS (Tr & Orth) · GMC 4718495
Mr Phillips is a consultant hand, wrist and elbow surgeon in private practice in Winchester and London, and now operates at Excel Clinic in Cardiff. He holds a Visiting Academic Fellowship at the University of Southampton and sits on the Council of the Association of Surgeons in Primary Care.
He specialises in hand surgery under local anaesthetic, with the patient awake and no tourniquet (WALANT). He co-authored the standard textbook on the technique and the BSSH/GIRFT White Paper on hand surgery outside main operating theatres, and was an early adopter of ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.
At Excel Clinic he performs cubital tunnel release, lacertus syndrome release and Dupuytren’s treatment, as well as ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel and trigger finger release.
What our patients say
What happens during surgery
- Local anaesthetic is injected around the inner side of the elbow. You stay awake and comfortable, with no tourniquet.
- A short incision is made over the cubital tunnel.
- The tight tissue over the ulnar nerve is released along its course. Because you are awake, Mr Phillips can ask you to bend and straighten your elbow to check the nerve stays in a good position.
- The skin is closed with fine stitches and a soft dressing is applied.
The operation takes around 20 to 30 minutes and you go home the same day. You cannot drive yourself home, so please arrange a lift.
Your cubital tunnel journey, step by step
Send your booking form
Free video consultation
Consultation with Mr Phillips
Your procedure
Recovery and aftercare
Follow-up
Tap each step for more detail.
1. Send your booking form
Complete the short form at the bottom of this page and tell us about your symptoms and any treatment you have already had.
2. Free video consultation
A free 15-minute video call to talk through your symptoms and whether treatment is the right next step.
3. Consultation with Mr Phillips
An in-person consultation with Mr Phillips (£250) to examine you and confirm the diagnosis. If he needs more information, he can arrange nerve conduction studies. Have your consultation and surgery on the same day (a one-stop appointment) and the consultation is included in the package.
4. Your procedure
Walk in, walk out. The release is done under wide-awake local anaesthetic in our theatre at Cardiff Gate and takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Recovery and aftercare
You go home with clear written aftercare instructions and WhatsApp access to our team if you have any questions.
6. Follow-up
A follow-up review is included to check your wound and your recovery.
Recovery timeline
After cubital tunnel release
Nerves recover slowly. Tingling often improves first. Numbness and muscle strength can take months, and may not recover fully if the nerve has been compressed for a long time.
Results and risks
What to expect
Most people find the tingling and night-time symptoms ease after the release. Numbness and weakness recover more slowly, sometimes over many months, as the nerve heals.
Possible risks
Possible risks include infection, tenderness or numbness around the scar, elbow stiffness, the nerve slipping over the bone when the elbow bends, and symptoms persisting or returning. Mr Phillips will go through these with you.
Treat it early
Treatment before weakness or muscle thinning develops usually gives a better result, so it is worth getting advice early.
Excel Clinic compared with NHS treatment
| Excel Clinic | NHS treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting time | Usually 2–4 weeks | Often many months |
| GP referral | Not needed | Required |
| Anaesthetic | Wide awake local anaesthetic (WALANT) | Often general or regional anaesthetic |
| Overnight stay | No | Usually no |
| Aftercare | WhatsApp access to our team | Standard follow-up |
| Cost | £2,250, fixed price | Free |
Tip: scroll sideways to see the full table on a phone.
Cubital tunnel surgery cost in Cardiff
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Video consultation Free 15-minute video consultation | Free |
| In-person consultation with Mr Phillips Included in the package with a one-stop appointment | £250 |
| Cubital tunnel release Includes anaesthetic, surgery, aftercare and follow-up | £2,250 |
| Follow-up review | Included |
Fixed, all-inclusive prices with no hidden costs. Have your consultation and surgery on the same day (a one-stop appointment) and the consultation is included in the package.
Why choose Excel Clinic?
Specialist hand surgeon
Mr Alistair Phillips, consultant hand, wrist and elbow surgeon and co-author of the standard textbook on wide-awake hand surgery.
Wide-awake surgery
Local anaesthetic with no tourniquet, no general anaesthetic and no overnight stay.
Fixed, transparent prices
One all-inclusive fee covering the procedure, anaesthetic, aftercare and follow-up.
Easy to reach
Designated patient parking, just off Junction 30 of the M4.
Frequently asked questions
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve on the inner side of the elbow. It causes numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, often worse with the elbow bent, and can lead to weakness in the hand.
How much does cubital tunnel surgery cost in Cardiff?
Cubital tunnel release at Excel Clinic costs £2,250. It is a fixed, all-inclusive price covering the anaesthetic, surgery, aftercare and follow-up. The first video consultation is free.
Can cubital tunnel syndrome get better without surgery?
Mild cases often improve by avoiding pressure on the elbow, not keeping it bent for long periods and wearing a night splint. Surgery is recommended if symptoms persist, keep coming back, or the hand is becoming weak.
What is WALANT?
WALANT stands for wide awake local anaesthetic, no tourniquet. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic mixed with a medicine that reduces bleeding, so no tourniquet, sedation or general anaesthetic is needed. You stay awake and comfortable, and can go home straight afterwards.
Am I suitable for surgery under local anaesthetic?
The wide-awake technique is best suited to people with a slim build, where the nerve lies close to the surface. Mr Phillips will assess you at consultation, and if wide-awake surgery is not right for you, he will explain the alternatives.
Do I need a nerve conduction study?
Not always. Many people can be diagnosed from their symptoms and an examination. If Mr Phillips needs more information about how the nerve is affected, he can arrange nerve conduction studies for you.
How long is recovery after cubital tunnel surgery?
Most people return to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks and to heavier work within 4 to 6 weeks. Nerve recovery is slower, and feeling and strength can keep improving for several months.
When can I drive after cubital tunnel surgery?
Not on the day of surgery, so please arrange a lift. Most people drive again within 2 to 4 weeks, once comfortable and able to control the car safely.
Can I have my consultation and treatment on the same day?
Yes, where it is clinically appropriate. With a one-stop appointment Mr Phillips assesses you and carries out the procedure in the same visit, and the consultation fee is included in the package. If you would rather have a separate consultation first, it costs £250.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself. Complete the booking form and we will arrange your free video consultation.
Still have a question? Send us a message or call 02922 645305.
Book your cubital tunnel consultation
Free video consultation, a fixed all-inclusive price and wide-awake surgery with a consultant hand surgeon.
Book your free video consultation
Tell us about your symptoms and any treatment you have already had, and our team will be in touch to arrange your video consultation.
Find us
Excel Clinic
3 Oaktree Court, Mulberry Drive
Cardiff Gate Business Park
Cardiff CF23 8RS
Just off Junction 30 of the M4, with designated patient parking. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.