Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 1

Compression of ulnar nerve @ level of cubital tunnel in elbow

Question 2

What can Cubital Tunnel Syndrome cause? (2 things)

Answer 2

1. Sensory disturbance in ulnar 1.5 fingers

2. Motor loss in intrinsic muscles of hand

Question 3

What are the intrinsic muscles of hand? (4 things)

Answer 3

1. Lumbricals
2. Interossei
3. Thenar muscles
4. Hypothenar muscles

Question 4

What are the risk factors for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? (4 things)

Answer 4

1. Age
2. Obesity
3. Overhead throwing activities
4. Persistent resting elbow on hard surface (students elbow)

Question 5

What are some differentials for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? (4 things)

Answer 5

1. Carpal Tunnel
2. OA
3. RA
4. DM

Question 6

What are the clinical features of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (4 things)

Answer 6

1. Pain (worse on leaning on elbow)
2. Numbness + tingling of 4th + 5th fingers (intermittent –> constant)
3. History of OA / prior trauma to elbow

Question 7

How is the diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome usually made?

Answer 7

Clinically

Question 8

What investigation can be done to confirm the diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 8

Electrophysiology

Question 9

What are the Conservative management options for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? (2 things)

Answer 9

1. Physio

2. Weight loss

Question 10

What is the Medical management options for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 10

Corticosteroid injection

Question 11

What is the Surgical management options for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 11

Surgical decompression