Consultant – Gavin Brigstocke

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve in a tunnel at the inside of the elbow. The ulnar nerve provides sensation to the little and part of the ring finger and power to several of the small muscles in the hand. In the early stages you may experience intermittent numbness of the little and ring fingers that can be provoked by leaning on the elbow or holding it in a flexed position. Over time as the compression worsens the numbness may become constant and the hand weak.

What treatments are available?
Simple non-operative measures include avoiding provocative activities, anti-inflammatory medications and wearing protective pads. A nighttime splint can be used to prevent excessive elbow flexion. Should symptoms persist despite such measures, surgery to decompress the nerve may be required. Decompressive surgery involves releasing all the tight structures that may be restricting the nerve. Once released the elbow is flexed and if the nerve is found to be unstable it is moved to a stable position at the front of the elbow.

What are the outcomes?
The outcome of surgery depends upon the severity of the nerve compression. In mild cases one would expect a full resolution of symptoms. With more severe cases surgery prevents worsening of muscle weakness and sensation but is less predictable in regard to the nerve function fully recovering.

Further information:
https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/22/cubital_tunnel_syndrome