Ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel syndrome)
The ulnar nerve, or what some call the "funny bone," is one of the three main nerves in the arm, running from the neck to the hand. Around the inside of the elbow, at the bony bump, the ulnar nerve can become compressed or irritated, causing numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers, especially the ring and little fingers.
Symptoms also include a weak grip, difficulty controlling movement, and pain or tenderness. If left untreated, this condition could develop into muscle weakness and permanent injury to the arm or hand.
Ulnar nerve entrapment can be caused by:
- Leaning on the elbow for long periods of time
- Repetitive motion or exercise
- The nerve slips when the elbow is bent
- Arthritis Fluid buildup or swelling
- A direct blow to the nerve
- Bone spurs or cysts.
- Treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment.
Depending on the severity, a doctor might first recommend non-surgical conservative treatments. These include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Elbow pads or splints
- Exercise and physiotherapy
- Avoid movements that aggravate the condition.
If non-surgical methods do not improve the condition, or if the entrapment is too severe, surgery may be required. The most common surgical procedures to correct ulnar nerve entrapment are:
- Cubital tunnel release: a surgery that releases structures around the ulnar nerve that may be compressing the nerve.
- Anterior ulnar nerve translocation: This procedure moves the ulnar nerve to prevent it from being compressed or stretched.
Our medical team
We have an expert team in shoulder and elbow reconstructive surgery, treatment of fractures at the shoulder girdle level, total and partial shoulder prosthetic replacement, less invasive techniques such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery for rotator cuff injuries and shoulder instability. Operative and non-operative management of acute and chronic shoulder and elbow injuries.
