Cubital tunnel syndrome feels similar to the

pain that occurs from hitting the "funny" bone

in elbow.

The "funny" bone in the elbow is actually the
ULNAR NERVE, a nerve that crosses the elbow
(the ulnar nerve begins in the side of the neck
and ends in the fingers).

Occurs when the ulnar nerve, which passes
through the cubital tunnel (a tunnel of
muscle, ligament, and bone) on the inside of
the elbow, becomes irritated due to injury or
pressure.
The condition may occur :
when a person frequently bends the elbows
(such as when pulling, reaching, or lifting),
constantly leans on the elbow, or sustains a
direct injury to the area.


Each individual may experience symptoms
differently.
numbness in the hand and/or ring and little
finger
hand pain
hand and thumb clumsiness due to muscle
weakness
Sensory changes in ulnar nerve distribution
(little+ring finger)
Intrinsic weakness (not always!)
Tinels sign at medial elbow
Elbow flexion test (3 min @ 120 flexion
reproduces symptoms)
Wartenbergs sign
Fromments sign

Cant adduct thumb (ulnar nerve)
Flexes thumb IP joint instead (median nerve)

a complete medical history
physical examination
nerve conduction test - a test to determine
how fast signals travel down a nerve to detect
a compression or constriction.
electromyogram (EMG) - a test to evaluate
nerve and muscle function; a test of the
forearm muscles controlled by the ulnar
nerve. If the muscles do not function
properly, this may indicate that the ulnar
nerve is not functioning properly.


Specific treatment will be determined based on:
Age, overall health, and medical history
Extent of the condition
Personal tolerance for specific medications,
procedures, or therapies
Expectations for the course of the condition
Personal opinion or preference from
thepatient

The most effective treatment for cubital
tunnel syndrome is the cessation of activity
that is causing the problem. Treatment may
include:
reducing or ceasing any activity, such as
bending, that aggravates the condition

a splint or foam elbow pad worn at night (to
limit movement and reduce irritation)
elbow pad (to protect against chronic
irritation from hard surfaces)
anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, to
help reduce swelling around the nerve.



Steroid injections Injecting steroids around the
ulnar nerve is generally not used because there is a
risk of damage to the nerve.

Nerve gliding exercises, These exercises may also
help keep the arm and wrist from getting stiff
STILL CONTROVERSION.

Operation

Cubital tunnel release the ligament "roof" of the
cubital tunnel is cut and divided. This increases the size
of the tunnel and decreases pressure on the nerve.

Ulnar nerve anterior transposition. the nerve is moved
from its place behind the medial epicondyle to a new
place in front of it. The nerve can be moved :
to lie under the skin and fat but on top of the muscle (subcutaneous
transposition)
within the muscle (intermuscular transposition)
under the muscle (submuscular transposition).

Examples of nerve gliding exercises. With your arm in front of you
and the elbow straight, curl your wrist and fingers toward your body,
then extend them away from you, and then bend your elbow.