Treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome | Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute

What is the Cubital Tunnel?

The cubital tunnel is the space the ulnar nerve travels through at the elbow just behind the hard bone (medial epicondyle) on the inside of the elbow. This area is also known as the “funny bone”. The ulnar nerve is susceptible to compression at the cubital tunnel because it is a very small space with little soft tissue protecting the nerve. The ulnar nerve supplies feeling to half of the ring finger, and the small finger. The ulnar nerve also controls most of the small muscles in the hand and some of the forearm muscles.

What causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Too much pressure of the cubital tunnel can be caused by injury, inflammation, bending the elbow or repetitive elbow movements for too long of a time

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Numbness and tingling in the ring and small fingers, especially when the elbow is bent
Pain on the inside of the elbow
Weakness of grip strength
Muscle wasting in the hand

How do you diagnose Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome begins with a thorough discussion and physical exam by your orthopedic physician. X-rays are usually taken to rule out arthritis and if there has been an injury such as a fracture.

Your doctor should rule out other conditions that can cause numbness and tingling in the hands such as diabetes, thyroid problems, some vitamin deficiencies, and pinched nerves in the neck.

The following tests may be requested in order to confirm cubital tunnel syndrome.

Nerve conduction study/Electromyogram (EMG)
A nerve conduction study/EMG is a test that may be performed in the hand specialist’s office, or may require a referral to a neurologist or other specialist. The test uses electrical impulses to determine where a nerve may be compressed or to determine whether there is any neuropathy that may be caused by an underlying condition.
Blood tests
Return to the primary care provider may be recommended for further evaluation and blood testing that can rule out things like diabetes and thyroid problems that may mimic cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms.

What are Common Treatments for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Activity modifications to avoid elbow excessive elbow flexion.
Elbow exercises/Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Steroid or “cortisone” injections into the cubital tunnel can reduce inflammation around the ulnar nerve
CBD – CBD is a natural, nonsurgical way to help treat joint pain and inflammation
Cubital tunnel Surgery.

What are the surgical treatments for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital tunnel release is recommended if there is no improvement with conservative management, or nerve compression is causing muscle weakness or damage. The goal is to relieve the pressure on the ulnar nerve by cutting the ligament over the nerve and anything else that may be compressing the ulnar nerve. In some instances, it may be necessary to move the nerve from behind the elbow to the front of the elbow (ulnar nerve transposition), or remove part of the bone next to the nerve (medial epicondylectomy).

What to expect after Cubital Tunnel release?

Cubital Tunnel surgery is a successful procedure. After cubital tunnel release, most patients can begin range-of-motion exercises immediately and gradually progress to active stretching and strengthening exercises. Typically, relief from numbness is experienced quickly after surgery, but depending on the degree of irritation of the nerve prior to surgery, it may take months for the nerve to recover completely.

**Disclaimer: Treatment recommendations may vary depending on your true diagnosis. Always follow the recommendations of your orthopedic provider.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome