Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Category

Nerve Blocks

Cubital tunnel syndrome, also called ulnar nerve entrapment, happens when your ulnar nerve gets irritated or compressed (squeezed) at the inside of your elbow.

You may have cubital tunnel syndrome if your ulnar nerve is compressed or irritated at the elbow.

Your ulnar goes through a tunnel of tissues called the cubital tunnel, which travels under a bony bump on the inside of your elbow called the medial epicondyle. The space is narrow, and there's only a little tissue protecting it. That spot is where your ulnar nerve is most vulnerable. After the medial epicondyle, the ulnar nerve continues under the muscles on the inside of your forearm and into your hand — on the side that has your little finger (pinky). When it enters your hand, it goes through another tunnel called Guyon's canal.

Because of your ulnar nerve, you can control some of the bigger muscles in your forearm (the ones that help you grip objects), feel your little finger, feel half of your ring finger and control many of the muscles in your hand. Those muscles in your hand help you perform fine movements such as typing on a keyboard and playing a musical instrument.

Who is at risk for cubital tunnel syndrome?

Some factors that put you at risk for cubital tunnel syndrome include:

• Arthritis of your elbow.
• Bending your elbow for a long time.
• Bone spurs.
• Cysts near your elbow joint.
• Past elbow dislocation.
• Past elbow fracture.
• Swelling of your elbow joint.

Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include:

• Difficulty moving your fingers when they’re numb or tingling (falling asleep).
• Numbness in your hand and fingers that comes and goes.
• Pain on the inside of your elbow.
• Tingling in your hand and fingers that comes and goes.

Inner elbow pain and numbness and tingling in your hand are the most common symptoms. This happens most often when your elbow is bent.

Your elbow might be bent when you:

• Drive.
• Hold a phone.
• Sleep.

How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will likely start the diagnosis process by asking questions about your symptoms.

Then they’ll order several tests, which may include:

• Blood tests for diabetes or thyroid disease.
• Electromyogram (EMG), which will show your provider how your nerves and nearby muscles are acting.
• X-rays to check for bone spurs, arthritis and places where bone might compress the ulnar nerve.

Treatment

• Bracing or splinting: Wearing a padded brace or splint when you sleep might help keep your elbow straight.
• Exercise
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Cubital tunnel injection

What does the procedure involve?

The doctor will clean the area over the region of interest and insert a small needle into the target area under imaging guidance. When it is in the correct position, they will inject the drug. They will remove the needle and cover the injection site with a small dressing.

What you are to do before procedure (Preparation)?

1. Book prior appointment if elective or get admission in causality if emergency
2. Lab investigation (*PT/INR, CBC), XRAY, CT/MRI scan and previous records.
3. 2-3 Hours fasting.
4. If you are on blood thinner like Aspirin, inform during appointment.
5. One accompanying person
6. Need to sign a consent form for procedure

Approx. Stay in hospital?

We have very fast and competent working team (Consultant, fellow, clinical assistant, technician and ward assistant) which provide you the comfortable atmosphere and ease your nerves. Usual time of stay is few hours

Complications

Every procedure carries a risk, although this is extremely small. The risk of infection with this procedure is extremely small as no incisions are made in the skin.  

Resume to work?

You can resume your work after 1 day if existing disease allows.