Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treated in Arlington, VA

Close-up of athletic woman holding her painful wrist

Also known as ulnar nerve entrapment, cubital tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve is pressured at the point where it passes behind the bony bump of the elbow (medial epicondyle). Known as the cubital tunnel, this narrow passageway is composed of a series of bones, muscles and ligaments. Within it, the ulnar nerve is susceptible to pressure from surrounding tissues, such as a bone spur or a ganglion cyst in the elbow joint. The ulnar nerve can also be directly pressured if the elbow is used to support weight, such as when a cyclist leans their elbows on the handlebars of a bike during a long ride.

In addition to sending sensory information from the ring and small fingers to the brain, the ulnar nerve controls many small muscles in the hand. Besides pain, numbness and burning sensations in the ring and small fingers, cubital tunnel syndrome can cause a loss of strength and fine motor function in the hand. Usually, these symptoms worsen when the elbow is bent or leaned upon, which can increase the burden on the ulnar nerve.

How Can Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Be Treated?

The key to effective treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome is an accurate diagnosis, which you can receive from an experienced elbow specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) in Arlington, Virginia. Typically, the diagnostic process includes a discussion of the symptoms, a physical examination and possibly an electromyography (EMG) or a nerve conduction study (NCS) to assess ulnar nerve function.

Conservative Therapies

Usually, treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome begins conservatively with a combination of:

  • Activity modifications to avoid body positions and movements that cause or worsen the pain
  • An elbow pad worn during certain physical activities
  • An elbow splint worn during rest and sleep
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Surgery

Because most patients do well with non-surgical treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome, the team at NOC generally views surgery as a last resort. However, if necessary to address severe or persistent discomfort, we may suggest a medial epicondylectomy, which involves removing a small portion of the medial epicondyle to allow the ulnar nerve to glide smoothly through the cubital tunnel during movement. Another option may be an ulnar nerve transposition, which involves creating a new tunnel in front of the medial epicondyle and then repositioning the ulnar nerve to pass through it instead of the cubital tunnel.

See an Orthopedic Surgeon in Arlington

If you would like to learn more about cubital tunnel syndrome, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment with an elbow specialist in Arlington, VA.