Cubital Tunnel Flashcards
1
Q
what nerve is compressed
A
ulnar nerve
2
Q
where is the nerve compressed
A
at the elbow behind the medial epicondyle
3
Q
what does the patient present with
A
- paraesthesiae in the ulnar 1.5 fingers
- weakness of ulnar innervated muscles (including 1st dorsal interosseous (abduction index finger) and adductor pollicis)
4
Q
what test is often positive
A
Tinel’s test over the cubital tunnel
5
Q
what does a positive Froment’s test show
A
weakness of adductor pollicis so patient compensates by flexing flexor pollicis longus of the thumb to maintain grip strength
6
Q
what can cause the compression
A
- tight band of fascia forming the roof of the tunnel
- tightness at the intermuscular septum as the nerve passes through the two heads at the origin of flexor carpi ulnaris
7
Q
what is the tight band of fascia forming the roof of the cubital tunnel called
A
Osborne’s fascia
8
Q
what confirms the diagnosis
A
nerve conduction studies
9
Q
what treatment might the patient need
A
surgical release of any tight structures
