Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Elbow)
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow
How it works
Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar, or cubital, nerve at the elbow. It causes numbness, tingling and reduced strength in the hand. A claw position of the fourth and fifth fingers — the ring and little fingers — is characteristic.
Surgery releases the structures that compress the nerve and, depending on the individual case, may include repositioning it. When nerve damage has been present for some time, recovery may not be complete, but surgery helps prevent further deterioration.
In these situations, procedures may also be performed on the fingers to reduce the clawing effect.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions about cubital tunnel syndrome and its treatment.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
It is compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. It can cause numbness, tingling and reduced strength in the hand.
What symptoms can it cause?
Typical symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hand, particularly in the ring and little fingers, reduced strength and, in more advanced cases, a claw position of the fingers.
Why are the ring and little fingers mainly affected?
Compression of the ulnar nerve typically produces symptoms in the fourth and fifth fingers: the ring and little fingers.
Why can symptoms worsen when the elbow is bent or rested on a surface?
Bending the elbow can increase tension on the ulnar nerve and reduce the space available for it. Resting directly on the inner side of the elbow can also place pressure on the nerve and aggravate symptoms.
What does clawing of the fingers mean?
It is a characteristic curved position of the ring and little fingers associated with weakness caused by nerve compression.
How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a review of the symptoms and examination of the elbow and hand. Nerve conduction studies and other tests may sometimes be requested to assess the nerve and exclude alternative causes.
Are there nonsurgical treatments?
In early cases, it may help to avoid leaning on the elbow, reduce activities that keep it deeply bent and use padding or a night splint to limit flexion. Treatment should be adapted to the individual case.
When may surgery be recommended?
Surgery may be considered when symptoms are significant or persistent, when weakness or nerve damage is present, or when nonsurgical measures have not provided sufficient improvement.
What does the operation involve?
The operation releases the structures compressing the ulnar nerve. Depending on the individual case, the nerve may also be repositioned.
Can the operation include repositioning the nerve?
Yes. In selected cases, after the compressing structures have been released, the nerve may be repositioned to reduce pressure on it.
How long does surgery take and what anaesthesia may be used?
The stated duration is 45–60 minutes. Surgery may be performed under general anaesthesia or a brachial plexus block, with or without sedation.
Is an overnight hospital stay required?
No. Hospital admission is not required.
Where is the scar located?
The scar is in the elbow area and is approximately 6–7 cm long.
When can the hand be used normally and strenuous activity resumed?
Normal hand use can resume after about 10 days. Strenuous activity should be delayed until 6 weeks, and full recovery of strength may take several months.
What are the risks, and is recovery always complete?
The stated risks include infection, bleeding and nerve damage, although these are rare. The result is usually long-lasting, but recovery of strength or sensation may be incomplete when nerve damage is already established.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
