What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy. These are a group of conditions where nerves become squashed and stop working properly. Many people have experienced this, when sitting in a strange position. We often describe it as “the leg going to sleep”. Carpal tunnel syndrome is brought on by a pinched nerve at the wrist. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the fingers. Some people may present with pain in the arm, hand, and fingers.

What causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Who gets Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

What are the symptoms?

Most people will complain of pins and needles affecting their whole hand. Further questioning may find that the little andring are the worst affected with the middle finger occasionally affected and the rest spared. Some people will describe this as pain. 

Many people will describe waking up in the night with their hands feeling dead or numb, some people say that their fingers feel like sausages.

Initially the symptoms are intermittent. They will commonly occur at night or when holding the phone.

As the problem becomes more severe then the symptoms will start to last longer during the day. If the numbness is present all the time then the condition is getting serious and we would recommend urgent surgery.

What is the Anatomy?

How doe we confirm the diagnosis?

How do we treat it?

If the symptoms are mild or you are pregnant then we will start with a splint to be worn mainly at night time.

The majority of patients however will require surgery.

Will it get better on its own?

Probably no more than 5% of patients who consult a surgeon will see a spontaneous improvement.

Doesn’t surgery hurt?

Very little. 

Which type of surgery should I go for?

Is this just another name for RSI?