Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and Surgery
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs in three forms:
- Ulnar nerve transposition
- Ulnar nerve entrapment
- Ulnar nerve compression
When the ulnar nerve is entrapped, stretched, or compressed, the ulnar nerve travels around the inner side of the elbow joint. Symptoms usually include numbness or tingling in the fingers, pain in the forearm, and weakness in the hand. These periods of numbness can become chronic over time and more noticeable when the arm is bent or while sleeping. Individuals with cubital tunnel syndrome may have difficulty gripping or moving their fingers. If left untreated, it may cause coordination difficulties and reduce muscle strength in the hand.
Patients curious about how cubital tunnel syndrome is diagnosed should be aware that prior fractures, bone spurs, or elbow swelling may increase their risk of developing it. In addition, those who participate in sports activities such as tennis that require repetitive flexing of the elbow may be at a higher risk. The surgical procedure for cubital tunnel injury releases the ulnar nerve from the incorrect positioning. Cubital tunnel injury surgery may also treat recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome in patients.
Treatment
When appropriately diagnosed, cubital tunnel syndrome can be treated with cubital tunnel surgery to relieve pain and restore function. Typically, the cubital tunnel release procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Patients can return after their ulnar nerve surgery to their home the same day. After cubital tunnel release surgery, the elbow may be placed in a splint that enables the use of the hand. Some discomfort, pain, and limited mobility should be expected a few weeks after the surgical procedure. Recovery after surgery is typically 3-6 weeks.
Related Blog
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and Why are My Fingers Numb?
Pain has a protective purpose. What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? When you get numbness or tingling in your ring and small finger for no apparent reason, that is usually caused by a condition called cubital tunnel syndrome. One of the major nerves of the arm, called the ulnar nerve, is responsible for powering several of the muscles in the forearm…
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