Cubital tunnel syndrome profoma

Question 1

Pathophysiology of Cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 1

Ulnar nerve becomes compressed as it passes behind the medial epicondyle of the elbow.

Guyon canal compression causes ulnar canal syndrome.

NOTE: view anatomical diagrams on notes

Question 2

Causes for cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 2

• Local trauma e.g. fractures of the elbow.
• Prolonged leaning on elbow.
• Elbow synovitis

Question 3

Clinical presentation of cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 3

Pain on medial side of elbow that radiates to the forearm and ulnar nerve distribution of the hand.
- i.e. inner side of forearm

Tingling &numbness of 4th & 5th fingerwhich starts off intermittent & becomes constant.

NOTE: view notes for diagram

Motor issues:
- weakness & hypothenar muscle wasting
- Weakness of intrinsic muscles of hand - abduction & adduction of fingers may be weak.
- Severe cases- clawing of hand.

NOTE: view notes for images

• Pain worse on leaning on affected elbow.
• Often a history of OA or prior trauma to the area.
• Loss of grip strength due to loss of flexor carpi ulnaris & flexor digitorum profundus.

Question 4

Investigations for cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 4

Nerve conduction studies may be used

Question 5

Management for cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 5

Corticoid steroid injection at the elbow.

Surgical decompression - if symptoms are severe, or there is muscle wasting & weakness.