Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve is entrapped at the elbow when it passes through a structure called cubital tunnel. The ulnar nerve is the nerve running down from your neck to your hands which helps to control your hand muscles and sensations of your hands and fingers. The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel, a tunnel of muscle, ligament, and bone present on the inside of the elbow.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
- Home
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Symptoms of Cubital tunnel symptoms
- Numbness and tingling in the hand especially when the elbow bends
- Hand pain
- Weak handgrip due to muscle weakness in the affected arm and hand
- Aching pain inside the elbow
Diagnosis of Cubital tunnel syndrome
A complete thorough examination of the patient is done along with the analysis of previous medical records. Diagnostic tests for Cubital tunnel syndrome include-
Nerve conduction test- To find out the compression of the nerve. This test is done to examine how fast the signals travel down the nerve across elbow
X-ray- This is done to examine the bones of the elbow.
MRI Cervical Spine- is always done to rule out any compression of the nerve in the spine
Causes and risk factors for cubital tunnel syndrome:
Ulnar nerve compression at cubital tunnel is cause by
- Repeated and prolonged flexing of the elbow
- Elbow joint swelling
- Elbow joint arthritis
- Elbow fracture
- Elbow dislocation
- Acromegaly- a condition in which there is excessive growth of bones. Ligaments in the body due to excessive secretion of the growth hormone
Treatment of the Cubital tunnel syndrome
The most effective Cubital tunnel syndrome treatment is stopping the cause of the problem. Treatment may include-
- Rest and stop any activity that aggravates the condition such as prolonged elbow bending
- A splint around the elbow is to be worn at night to restrict movement and reduce irritation
- Elbow pad to reduce irritation on hard surfaces
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Nerve gliding exercises
If any of the above-mentioned treatments don’t work, then your neurosurgeon will discuss these with you.
- Local steroid injections to relieve pain and swelling
- Surgery- If none of the non-surgical ulnar nerve treatments work in your case, then the doctor will suggest you undergo surgery. Various surgeries help with cubital tunnel syndrome, they include-
Cubital tunnel release- The roof of the cubital tunnel is a ligament and, in this cubital tunnel syndrome surgery, the doctor cuts and divide this ligament which makes the tunnel bigger and release pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Ulnar nerve anterior transposition– In this surgery, your ulnar nerve from behind the elbow is moved to the front, close to the skin to stop the nerve getting stretched during elbow flexion.
Medial epicondylectomy – In this surgery, a part of the medial epicondyle is removed to release the nerve to prevent it from compression.
Post operatively you have to wear a splint on the arm for the next two to three weeks. To regain motion and strength, physical therapy is suggested.
If you have been suggested to undergo cubital tunnel syndrome surgery for entrapment of ulnar nerve, get a second opinion from cubital tunnel surgeon to explore other cubital tunnel syndrome treatment options available.
Support
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers before your visit — or call us anytime.
What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome and how is it different from carpal tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome causes numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, elbow pain, and weakness in hand gripcaused by ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers due to median nerve compression at the wrist. Both require nerve conduction studies for accurate diagnosis.
What is ulnar nerve transposition surgery and when is it recommended for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Ulnar nerve transposition involves moving the ulnar nerve from behind the elbow to a position in front of the elbow (medial epicondyle) to relieve tension and compression. It is recommended when the nerve is unstable (subluxing), when simple decompression is insufficient, or for recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome.
Is cubital tunnel syndrome surgery available in Abu Dhabi and what is the recovery timeline?
Yes, Dr. Arun Rajeswaran performs ulnar nerve decompression and transposition surgery in Abu Dhabi. Recovery involves splinting for 1–2 weeks, followed by physiotherapy. Numbness and tingling usually improve within weeks to months depending on the severity of nerve compression before surgery.
Next step
Ready to discuss Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?
Book a consultation or request a second opinion with Dr. Arun Rajeswaran.