Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

what is the pathophysiology of cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 1

compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow behind the medial epicondyle (‘funny bone’ area)

Question 2

what clinical features are usually seen in cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 2

parasthaesia in the 1,1/2 fingers supplied by ulnar nerve, Tinel’s test over cubital tunnel usually +ve

Question 3

what muscles are supplied by the ulnar nerve and may be affected by cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 3

1st dorsal interosseous(abduction of index finger), adductor pollicis

Question 4

what can cause compression of ulnar nerve inn cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 4

tight band of fascia forming roof of tunnel(Osborne’s fascia), or tightness at intermuscular septum as nerve passes through or between 2 heads at origin of flexor carpi ulnaris

Question 5

what is used for diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 5

nerve conduction studies

Question 6

what treatment may be needed

Answer 6

surgical release of tight structures