Loading icon
Health Information Center

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

(Ulnar Nerve Entrapment; Ulnar Neuropathy)

Definition

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a set of symptoms due to abnormal pressure on the ulnar nerve. The nerve passes through the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow. Problems with this nerve can weaken hand grip and lead to numbness in the ring and small finger.

Hand anatomy.

Pressure on the ulnar nerve can cause problems in the hand and fingers.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Nucleus factsheet imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=67626762hand_muscle_bone.jpgHand anatomyNULLjpgHand anatomyNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\hand_muscle_bone.jpgNULL107NULL2008-01-152904006762_902782Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Cubital tunnel syndrome is pressure of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The cause is not always known. In some people, it may be from:

  • Stress on the elbow from long periods of time—with the elbow in a bent position or with pressure on the elbow
  • Injury to the elbow, such as a direct blow
  • Bleeding, swelling, or fluid buildup at the elbow

Risk Factors

Things that can raise the risk of cubital tunnel syndrome are:

  • Repetitive motion, such as with hard labor
  • Leaning on or holding the elbow in a bent position for long time, such as with:
    • Frequent phone users
    • Musicians
    • Baseball players
    • Cyclists
  • Joint disorders, such as gout or arthritis
  • A past elbow injury
  • A past surgery on or around the ulnar nerve

Symptoms

Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may happen all the time or only when the elbow is bent. They may be:

  • Numbness or tingling in the small and ring fingers
  • A weak grip
  • Poor finger coordination
  • Pain in the elbow or forearm

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Cubital tunnel syndrome is often diagnosed by the symptoms.

It may be confirmed with these tests:

Treatment

Cubital tunnel syndrome often goes away on its own. Activities that are causing the problem may need to be stopped. Other steps may be:

  • A splint, brace, or padding—to keep the elbow straight and ease pressure
  • Measures to help with strength, range of motion, and flexibility, such as:
    • Exercises
    • Physical and occupational therapy
    • Changes to the work environment

Prevention

There are no guidelines to prevent cubital tunnel syndrome.

Surgery

Some people may need surgery when other methods do not help. The goal of surgery is to ease compression and bring back nerve function and muscle strength. Options are:

  • Cubital tunnel release—increases the size of the tunnel the nerve passes through
  • Ulnar nerve anterior transportation—moves the nerve to another place
  • Medial epicondylectomy—removes part of the bony ridge that catches the nerve as it moves across the elbow joint

Surgery

Some people may need surgery when other methods do not help. The goal of surgery is to ease compression and bring back nerve function and muscle strength. Options are:

  • Cubital tunnel release—increases the size of the tunnel the nerve passes through
  • Ulnar nerve anterior transportation—moves the nerve to another place
  • Medial epicondylectomy—removes part of the bony ridge that catches the nerve as it moves across the elbow joint
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Blevins MI, Parnes N. Cubital tunnel syndrome. JAAPA. 2019;32(4):44-45.
  • Smit JA, Hu Y, et al. Identifying risk factors for recurrence after cubital tunnel release. J Hand Surg. 2022.
  • Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome). Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/ulnar-nerve-entrapment-at-the-elbow-cubital-tunnel-syndrome.
  • Ulnar neuropathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ulnar-neuropathy.

Contributors

  • Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT
Last Updated:
2023-03-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.