cWhat is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel is when the ulnar nerve is compressed as it bends passed the elbow. The nerve passes through a tight tunnel (called the cubital tunnel or Osbourne's canal) on the inside of the elbow. This tunnel is also called the funny bone as the sensation of tingling in the hand when this area is knocked is due to the nerve being irritated.
What does the ulnar nerve do?
The ulnar nerve provides sensation to the little and ring fingers, and gives some power to these fingers when making a fist. It also provides power to the tiny muscles in the hand which contributes to separating of the fingers, such as when you imitate your fingers cutting like scissors, or when you bring the thumb to lie in against the index finger. It also gives some power to bending at the wrist.
What symptoms does cubital tunnel give you?
Cubital tunnel syndrome usually starts with tingling in the ring and little fingers. This occurs when the elbow is bent, such as when people sleep at night, or when driving or using a phone. As things progress this tingling can occur all the time, and may result in reduced sensation to these fingers. The small muscles in the hand become weak and can waste away, which is particularly noticeable when looking at the back of the hand in the spaces between the fingers or between the index finger and thumb. The fingers can take on a bent appearance, and grip strength becomes reduced.
What can be done?
This depends on how severe the cubital tunnel syndrome is, however conservative treatment is often tried first. Activities bending the elbow should be avoided, and a splint keeping the elbow straighter should be worn at night if tolerated. Day splints may also be required. More severe cases may require surgery. This usually involves making a small cut over the elbow, and releasing the roof over the nerve of the cubital tunnel, through which it passes. In some instances this is not sufficient, and more extensive surgery is required.
Cubital tunnel is when the ulnar nerve is compressed as it bends passed the elbow. The nerve passes through a tight tunnel (called the cubital tunnel or Osbourne's canal) on the inside of the elbow. This tunnel is also called the funny bone as the sensation of tingling in the hand when this area is knocked is due to the nerve being irritated.
What does the ulnar nerve do?
The ulnar nerve provides sensation to the little and ring fingers, and gives some power to these fingers when making a fist. It also provides power to the tiny muscles in the hand which contributes to separating of the fingers, such as when you imitate your fingers cutting like scissors, or when you bring the thumb to lie in against the index finger. It also gives some power to bending at the wrist.
What symptoms does cubital tunnel give you?
Cubital tunnel syndrome usually starts with tingling in the ring and little fingers. This occurs when the elbow is bent, such as when people sleep at night, or when driving or using a phone. As things progress this tingling can occur all the time, and may result in reduced sensation to these fingers. The small muscles in the hand become weak and can waste away, which is particularly noticeable when looking at the back of the hand in the spaces between the fingers or between the index finger and thumb. The fingers can take on a bent appearance, and grip strength becomes reduced.
What can be done?
This depends on how severe the cubital tunnel syndrome is, however conservative treatment is often tried first. Activities bending the elbow should be avoided, and a splint keeping the elbow straighter should be worn at night if tolerated. Day splints may also be required. More severe cases may require surgery. This usually involves making a small cut over the elbow, and releasing the roof over the nerve of the cubital tunnel, through which it passes. In some instances this is not sufficient, and more extensive surgery is required.
