Cubital Tunnel

Elbow

Cubital Tunnel

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The ulnar nerve is one of the major nerves in the arm that runs along the inside of the elbow joint.

This tunnel, formed by bone and ligaments, protects the nerves passing through the elbow. However, various factors can cause narrowing of the cubital tunnel, resulting in pressure and irritation of the ulnar nerve. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome.

In cubital tunnel syndrome, the cubital tunnel narrows, compressing the ulnar nerve. This compression disrupts normal nerve function, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

What are the Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome involve the hand supplied by the ulnar nerve, which includes the little finger and half of the ring finger. These symptoms may include:

Numbness: Numbness or pins and needles sensation in little finger and half of ring finger. This numbness may worsen at night or with prolonged elbow flexion.
Tingling: A tingling sensation in the affected area, which can sometimes be described as a burning or prickly sensation.
Weakness: Difficulty grasping objects or feeling clumsy in the affected hand due to weakness in the muscles controlled by the ulnar nerve. This can make things like pinching or holding things difficult.
Hand clawing: In severe cases, prolonged compression of the ulnar nerve can cause muscle wasting (atrophy) in the hand, leading to clawing of the fingers.
Pain: Although not the most prominent symptom, some individuals may experience pain or throbbing pain in the elbow or inner arm.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can sometimes be caused by other conditions affecting the hand, elbow, or cervical spine. Consultation with a health care professional is essential for proper diagnosis.

What are the Causes & Risk Factor?

Several factors can contribute to cubital tunnel narrowing and ulnar nerve compression:

Bony growths: Bony growths around the elbow joint (osteophytes) can encroach on the space of the cubital tunnel, reducing the space available for the nerve.
Thickening: Thickening of the cubital ligament due to repeated stress or inflammatory conditions can also narrow the tunnel.
Improper positioning: Frequently bending the elbow for long periods of time, such as leaning on your elbows while sleeping or using the phone, can stretch and irritate the ulnar nerve.

Previous injuries: Fractures, dislocations, or other injuries around the elbow joint can damage the structures that make up the cubital tunnel, which is prone to nerve pressure.
Loose ligaments: In some cases, excessively loose ligaments around the elbow joint can allow the ulnar nerve to subluxate (partially dislocate) with certain movements, causing intermittent pressure.
Arthritis: Degenerative changes in the elbow joints due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can contribute to narrowing of the cubital tunnel.
Fluid build-up: Fluid build-up inside the elbow joint (synovitis) can also put pressure on the ulnar nerve.

Predictive factors of cubital tunnel syndrome

Although anyone can develop cubital tunnel syndrome, certain factors can increase the risk:

Occupations:

Jobs that require long elbow bends or repetitive gripping motions, such as carpenters, painters, or assembly line workers, may be at higher risk.

Certain sports:

Activities such as baseball (pitching), weightlifting (exercises with repeated elbow flexion), and gymnastics can stress the elbow joint and ulnar nerve.

Obesity:

Being overweight can put extra stress on the elbow joint and contribute to nerve stress.

Family history:

Having a family member with cubital tunnel syndrome may indicate a rare genetic predisposition.

Rheumatoid arthritis:

This inflammatory arthritis can affect the structures around the elbow joint, causing the cubital tunnel to narrow.

Diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome

A diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome usually includes:

Medical history: Any previous injuries or medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical examination: A health care professional will examine the affected elbow and hand for Tenderness. They may palpate the inside of the elbow to check for tenderness over the ulnar nerve.
Tunnell’s sign: Tapping the ulnar nerve at the elbow may produce a tingling sensation under the hand, suggesting nerve irritation.
Loss of sensation: They will test your sensation in your little finger and half of your ring finger to rule out any numbness or loss of sensation.
Muscle weakness: They will test the strength of the hand muscles that are controlled by the ulnar nerve, such as the ability to pinch or spread the fingers.
Flexion test: A health care professional may ask you to bend the elbow while observing for signs of nerve irritation, such as tingling or increased weakness.

Imaging tests are not always necessary to diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome, but in some cases, they may be helpful:

X-rays: X-rays can help identify bone spurs or other bony abnormalities around the elbow joint that may contribute to narrowing of the tunnel.
Electromyography (EMG) / Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests can assess the electrical activity of the ulnar nerve and the muscles it controls. They can help confirm nerve damage and determine the severity of nerve compression.

Treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome

Treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome usually begins with conservative measures and progresses to surgery in severe cases. Here’s an overview of common treatment options:

Non-surgical treatment:

Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms, especially those that involve prolonged elbow flexion, is crucial for early healing.
Splint: Wearing a splint at night to keep the elbow elongated can help prevent further nerve pressure during sleep.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can develop a program that includes gentle exercises to improve ulnar nerve mobility and prevent irritation.

Surgical intervention:

If conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief after several months, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery depends on the underlying cause of the nerve compression:
Lateral transfer: In this procedure, the ulnar nerve is repositioned in front of the bony bump (medial epicondyle) to relieve pressure.
Cubital tunnel decompression: This surgery involves releasing the thickened cubital ligament to create more space for the ulnar nerve inside the tunnel.
Endoscopic surgery: In some cases, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques can be used to release the cubital ligament.

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Cubital Tunnel

Elbow

Cubital Tunnel

What are the Symptoms?

What are the Causes & Risk Factor?

Predictive factors of cubital tunnel syndrome

Diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome

Treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome

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