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Cubital tunnel Syndrome or Ulnar neuropathy refers to the nerve that runs around the inner aspect of your elbow.  The area is sometimes called the "funny bone" because when you the elbow hits that nerve, it sends a shock down the arm.  The main purpose of the ulnar nerve is to provide sensation to little finger and the half of the ring finger closest to the little finger.  It also provides the innervation of the most of the muscles to the hand - especially the ones involved with gripping.  There are many reasons that the nerve in this area can have reduced function.  Usually it involves nerve compression from various structures in the region.  There are several non surgical options as well as surgical options.  If a hand surgeon recommends that the nerve may need a "surgical decompression," then there are two good choices.  One involves freeing up the nerve of all areas of impingement and "transposing" it anteriorly above the median epicondyle.  It can be left in the fat or subcutaneous tissue or buried underneath the muscle.  The other option is called an In-Situ decompression of the nerve which means the anterior aspect of the nerve is decompressed and then left in it's native place.  Lately it has been done with a smaller incision using an endoscope with excellent and reproducable results.