To compare decompression with anterior transposition as surgical treatment for ulnar nerve palsy at the elbow.

Thirty-nine patients treated surgically, were reviewed retrospectively. 8 patients were in mild group, 7 in moderate and 24 in severe. Decompression was performed in 22 patients and subcutaneous ulnar nerve anterior transposition in 17. Result was classified as excellent, recurrent and worse.

After decompression the clinical results were excellent in 59.1% and after anterior transposition, excellent in 82.3%. Better results were achieved in moderate and severe group. Less than one year of symptom duration, 82.3% of patient showed an excellent result but more than one year, only 66.7% showed an excellent result. With cubitus valgus deformity, excellent results showed 50% by decompression and 85.7% by anterior transposition.

Better results could be obtained by anterior transposition in patient with moderate and severe degree, cubitus valgus deformity and long duration of symptoms.