Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulna nerve in a tight tunnel on the inside of the elbow. The ulna nerve is the same structure that is compressed when people ‘hit their funny bone’ and the symptoms can be similar in Cubital tunnel syndrome.

The ulna nerve provides sensation to the little finger and part of the ring finger, and power to the small muscles within the hand. Therefore irritation to the nerve causes a combination of numbness and tingling in the little and ring fingers and in severe cases causes weakness or wasting of the muscles in the hand.

 
ulna nerve injury surgery

What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?

Often there is no obvious underlying cause but cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by a number of conditions, including fractures, arthritis and bending the elbow for long periods of time. Symptoms can sometimes be associated with other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and haemophilia.

How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Usually Mr Moverley can diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome with a combination of clinical examination and a careful assessment of the history of your symptoms. Further diagnostic tests are used for confirmation and to plan treatment:

  • X-rays will be obtained to rule out other injuries such as arthritis or a previous fracture.

  • Nerve conduction studies to confirm the extent of the damage to the nerve. The test also checks for other conditions such as a compressed nerve in the neck, which can cause similar symptoms.

  • MRI is particularly useful in cases where there is diagnostic uncertainty.

Treatment options

Mr Moverley will tailor your treatment specifically to the cause of your symptoms, whilst taking into account your expectations and medical history.

Non-operative Management

If the symptoms are mild and intermittent, the condition can be managed without surgery.

  • Rest and activity modification - This includes modifying activities that increase the symptoms such as leaning on the elbow or holding the elbow bent for prolonged periods of time.

Surgical treatment

If non-operative measures have been trailed for a period of three months and the numbness or tingling is progressively bothersome, or there is evidence of weakness or muscle wasting, surgical decompression of the nerve is usually recommended. This is aimed at improving the symptoms or at least to prevent the problem worsening.