Hand Care CenterKLEINERT KUTZ
Hand Care CenterKLEINERT KUTZ
Downtown Louisville, KY Offi ce:Downtown Louisville, KY Offi ce:225 Abraham Flexner Way
Suite 700Louisville, KY 40202
East Louisville, KY Offi ce:East Louisville, KY Offi ce:3900 Kresge Way
Suite 43Louisville, KY 40207
Lexington, KY Offi ce:Lexington, KY Offi ce:230 Fountain Court
Suite 375Lexington, KY 40509
New Albany, IN Offi ce:New Albany, IN Offi ce:3605 Northgate Court
Suite 101 - Surgery CenterSuite 102 - Clinic
New Albany, IN 47150
Chamberlain Pointe Offi ce:Chamberlain Pointe Offi ce:4642 Chamberlain Lane
Suite 202Louisville, KY 40241
For more information contact us at:502-561-HAND (4263)502-561-HAND (4263)
1-800-477-42631-800-477-4263www.kleinertkutz.comwww.kleinertkutz.com
© 2011 Christine M. Kleinert Institutefor Hand and Microsurgery, Inc.
CUBITAL CUBITAL TUNNEL TUNNEL SYNDROME SYNDROME
502-561-HAND (4263)1-800-477-4263
www.kleinertkutz.com Hand Care CenterKLEINERT KUTZ
WHAT IS CUBITAL TUNNELWHAT IS CUBITAL TUNNELSYNDROME?SYNDROME?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is an acute or chronic
compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
The nerve runs between the olecranon
(posterior aspect of the elbow) and the medial
epicondyle (funny bone) at the elbow area.
The nerve can be compressed by anatomical
abnormalities such as “fi brous bands”, or by
bony abnormalities such as bone spurs. Also,
infl ammation of the nerve could be the cause
of chronic displacement of the nerve while
bending and extending the elbow.
Displacement or subluxation of the nerve
consists of forward movement of the nerve
while the elbow is completely bent. The
patient may feel a snapping and a sensation
of tingling or electric shock can be present
as well. Repetitive bending and extending
activities of the elbow may aggravate this
condition.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?
Compression of the ulnar nerve can produce
changes in sensation, movement or motor
functions. Sensory involvement consists of
a tingling and numb sensation at the inner
part of the forearm and can radiate to the
ring and little fi ngers. Motor
involvement suggests a more longstanding
condition and can produce a weakness of
the muscles of the hand, impairing grip
strength.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?An overall evaluation of the upper extremity
should be performed when the signs and
symptoms described above are present. The
evaluation includes a general evaluation
of the neck and the shoulder area. This is
performed to rule out compression of the
nerve at the exit from the cervical spine or
crossing the shoulder area. In some cases,
your hand surgeon can recommend a nerve
conduction study to help establish the
diagnosis.
In more severe cases, loss of the hand muscle
strength can be noticed on physical examination
and when evaluating grip strength.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FORWHAT IS THE TREATMENT FORCUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?
The goal of treatment for cubital tunnel
syndrome is to diminish the pain and the
numb sensation that the compression has
produced. Treatment must be directed
to prevent muscle loss due to long standing
nerve compression. At initial stages,
limiting repetitive bending and extending
activities with use of an elbow pad may be
the only treatment necessary. If loss of hand
muscles is noted, or the pain and numbness
do not improve with conservative treatment,
a surgical option may be recommended by
your hand surgeon.
Surgery consists of freeing the nerve in its
tunnel where it passes at the elbow; or in
some patients, it is necessary to reposition
the nerve in a forward position outside the
tunnel. The numbness may persist even after
surgery, but usually improves gradually
over time. Pain is usually the fi rst symptom
to improve. With severe muscle involvement,
only partial return of function may result.
