Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

What is a Cubital Tunnel syndrome?

Cubtial Tunnel Syndrome is an ulnar nerve compression as it passes through the cubital tunnel of the elbow. Sometimes people will refer to this as their ‘funny bone’ when they hit it.

What symptoms does cubital tunnel cause?

Numbness and tingling in the little and ring finger.

These symptoms may worsen when the elbow is bent as pressure on the nerve increases.

Reduced fine motor control in the affected hand.

Reduced pinch and grip strength.

In more severe cases there will be wasting in between the thumb and index finger.

The little finger may no longer sit in line with the other fingers.

How is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome assessed?

A history of your suspected cubital tunnel syndrome will be collected.

The clinician will then do a clinical assessment of your elbow and some provocative testing to rule our a differential diagnosis.

A sensory test may be conducted (semmes weinstien monofilament and 2 pt discrimination).

Pinch and grip strength will also be collected.

In situations where the diagnosis or cause is unclear we may liaise with your GP or surgeon to arrange further testing such as an EMG.

What is the treatment?

Treatment often involves a course of night time splinting, nerve gliding exercises and activity modification.