Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Ulnar Neuropathy

Cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar neuropathy, is a condition that involves the compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel of the elbow.

smiling family walking across the bridge

At Hand to Shoulder Associates, our experienced specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating cubital tunnel syndrome, providing comprehensive care to relieve your symptoms and improve nerve function.

Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome can vary in severity and may include:

Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, which may extend to the forearm.
Weakness: The weakness in the hand and fingers leads to difficulties with gripping or fine motor tasks.
Pain: Aching or sharp pain along the inner side of the elbow, often exacerbated by bending the elbow or keeping it in a flexed position for extended periods.
Muscle Atrophy: Over time, muscle wasting (atrophy) may occur in the hand, particularly in the muscles that control the thumb and little finger.
Clumsiness and Difficulty with Coordination: Reduced dexterity and coordination, making it challenging to perform precise hand movements.

Treatments for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

At HSA, we offer a range of treatment options to address cubital tunnel syndrome based on the severity of the condition and individual needs. These may include:

Activity Modifications: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as keeping the elbow bent for prolonged periods or placing pressure on the elbow.
Elbow Splinting: Wearing a splint or brace at night to keep the elbow neutral and reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to improve elbow and hand mobility, strengthen muscles, and alleviate nerve compression.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Nerve Gliding Exercises: Techniques to gently stretch and mobilize the ulnar nerve to reduce irritation.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids around the ulnar nerve to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
Surgical Intervention: In severe cases or when conservative treatments are ineffective, our skilled surgeons may recommend surgical ulnar nerve decompression to alleviate pressure.
Medial Epicondylectomy: This surgery involves removing the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow, enabling the ulnar nerve to glide smoothly when the elbow is flexed and straightened
Ulnar Nerve Transposition: This surgery involves creating a new tunnel in front of the medial epicondyle and transposing (moving) the ulnar nerve to the new tunnel
In-Situ Decompression: A precise cut is created, aligning with the path of the ulnar nerve, between the medial epicondyle and the olecranon.

What does surgery entail?

Epicondylectomy surgery

Our surgeon may recommend a medial epicondylectomy if your nerve compression is mild. In this procedure, our surgeon will make an incision over the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. The cubital tunnel is cut open through the soft tissue roof, exposing the ulnar nerve. The forearm muscles or flexor muscles are cut and detached from the epicondyle.

Using special instruments, your surgeon will shave away the bump, freeing the ulnar nerve to glide smoothly within the cubital tunnel without pressure. The flexor muscles are then reattached to the area of shaved bone with special sutures. The incision is then closed with sutures and covered with a dressing.

Ulnar nerve transposition surgery

More commonly, our surgeon may recommend an ulnar nerve transposition. Our board-certified specialist will make an incision over the medial epicondyle. The cubital tunnel is cut open through the soft tissue roof, exposing the ulnar nerve. The forearm muscles or flexor muscles are cut and detached from the epicondyle. The ulnar nerve is transposed or moved from behind the elbow to a new location in front of the elbow. Alternatively, it may be placed above the flexor muscle, within the muscle, or under the muscle. The flexor muscles are then sutured back together and reattached with special sutures to the Epicondyle. The incision is then closed with sutures and covered with a dressing. The majority of patients suffer no complications following cubital tunnel surgery. However, some rare complications can occur following elbow surgery, including:

Infection
Nerve damage causing permanent areas of numbness around the elbow or forearm
Elbow instability
Elbow flexion contracture
Pain at the site of the scar
The surgery does not improve symptoms

Why choose HSA for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Selecting Hand to Shoulder Associates for your cubital tunnel syndrome care offers several advantages:

Expertise and experience: Our board-certified specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating cubital tunnel syndrome. Their specialized training in orthopedics and microvascular surgery makes them well-equipped to provide effective and personalized care for your condition.
Comprehensive care: We offer a multidisciplinary approach to cubital tunnel syndrome treatment, providing a wide range of non-surgical and surgical options tailored to your needs. Our goal is to relieve your symptoms, improve nerve function, and help you regain hand and elbow functionality.
Advanced technologies and techniques: At HSA, we utilize state-of-the-art technologies and advanced surgical techniques to optimize treatment outcomes. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of cubital tunnel syndrome care advancements ensures that you receive the most advanced and effective therapies available.
Patient-centered approach: Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Our team takes the time to understand your unique concerns, conduct a thorough evaluation, and develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with your goals and lifestyle.

If you are experiencing symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome, such as hand numbness, weakness, or pain, do not hesitate to seek professional care. Contact HSA to schedule an appointment with our experienced specialists and begin your journey toward relief from cubital tunnel syndrome. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the highest quality care and support throughout your treatment process.