Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common compression neuropathy of the upper limb, presenting with disturbance of ulnar nerve sensory and motor function. The ulnar nerve may be dynamically compressed during movement, statically compressed due to reduction in tunnel volume or compliance, and tension forces may cause ischaemia or render the nerve susceptible to subluxation, further causing local swelling, compression inflammation and fibrosis. Superiority of one surgical technique for the management of CuTS has not been demonstrated. Different techniques are selected for different clinical situations with simple decompression being the most common procedure due to its efficacy and low complication rate. Adjunctive distal nerve transfer for denervated muscles using an expendable motor nerve to restore the axon population in the distal nerve is in its infancy but may provide a solution for severe intrinsic weakness or paralysis.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:743-750. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200129