Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.

Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, weakness of grip and hand coordination, and aching on the inner side of the elbow.

Prolonged elbow bending, leaning on the elbow, previous elbow fracture, or a naturally narrow cubital tunnel can compress the ulnar nerve.

See a hand surgeon if numbness is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by weakness or muscle wasting in the hand.

Clinical examination including Tinel's sign at the elbow and assessment of hand muscle strength and coordination.

Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) confirm the site and severity of nerve compression.

Activity modification, avoiding prolonged elbow flexion, night splinting in extension, and padding to protect the elbow.

Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, or when there is muscle weakness or wasting.

Ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow relieves pressure on the nerve, sometimes combined with transposition of the nerve to a more protected position.

Light activity resumes within days; nerve recovery and improvement in numbness can take weeks to months depending on severity.

Most patients experience improvement in symptoms, though recovery of long-standing nerve damage may be incomplete.

Infection, scar tenderness, incomplete recovery of sensation, and rarely worsening of nerve symptoms.