Anatomy of the Cubital Tunnel
The ulnar nerve travels down the back of the elbow behind a bony bump called the medial epicondyle, and through a passageway called the cubital tunnel. The cubital tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inside of the elbow formed by bone, muscle, and ligaments. The roof of the cubital tunnel is covered with a soft tissue called fascia.
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve can stretch and catch on the bony bump. When the ulnar nerve is compressed or entrapped, the nerve can tear and become inflamed, leading to cubital tunnel syndrome.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
In general, the signs and symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome arise gradually, progressing to the point where you have to seek medical attention. Left untreated, cubital tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage in the hand. The commonly reported symptoms associated with cubital tunnel syndrome include:
- Intermittent numbness, tingling, and pain to the little finger, ring finger and inside of the hand. These symptoms occur more frequently at night, and with elbow bending or prolonged resting on the elbow.
- Aching pain to the inside of the elbow
- Weakness in hand with diminished grip strength
- Diminished sensation and fine motor control in the hand, causing you to drop objects or have difficulty in handling small objects
- Muscle wasting in the hand and permanent nerve damage, if left untreated
What are the Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
The common causes responsible for cubital tunnel syndrome include:
- Trauma
- Repetitive motion
- Frequent pressure on the elbow for extended periods due to sitting posture
- Medical conditions such as bone spurs, ganglion cysts or tumors in the cubital tunnel, leading to pressure and irritation of the ulnar nerve
Diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Your physician will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination of your elbow.
Your physician may order X-ray and electrodiagnostic tests such as electromyography and nerve conduction studies. These tests can assist your doctor in determining how well the nerve is functioning and locate areas of muscle wasting and nerve compression.