Mr Sam Gidwani
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist expertise: Hand and Wrist Surgery, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, Hand & Wrist, Trigger Finger, Carpal Tunnel, Cubital Tunnel, Arthritis.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition where nerve pressure results in pain, tingling and numbness in the little and ring fingers
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition where pressure or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through a tunnel on the inside of the elbow, results in pain, tingling and numbness in the little and ring fingers, and later weakness of the small muscles in the hand.
The ulnar nerve passes into the forearm, running behind the bony prominence on the inner aspect of the elbow known as the medial epicondyle (the ‘funny bone’). At this point, it runs through a tight tunnel known as the cubital tunnel. This tunnel consists of a bony groove roofed by a ligament. The ulnar nerve fits tightly into this tunnel and can become compressed at this, and adjacent sites.
The outcome of a cubital tunnel decompression depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms.
In mild cases full resolution of symptoms can be expected. In more severe cases, tingling and pain usually resolve but other symptoms may.
Numbness and weakness in the hand that have occurred due to prolonged compression of the ulnar nerve, can improve slowly over time, but return of sensation and muscle strength may be incomplete. In general, it is wise to consider early release of any ulnar nerve compression since the risk of permanent consequences is higher than in most nerves.
It generally takes about three months to regain full strength and a fully comfortable scar, but the hand can be used normally after two weeks, although surgeons’ policies vary.
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Causes
Pressure or compression of the ulnar nerve in th...
Symptoms
Tingling sensations, pain and numbness in the li...
Treatment
Splintage, medication, surgery
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