Week 3 - Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

what are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?

Answer 2

paraesthesia in the ulnar 1 1/2 fingers and tinels test over the cubital tunnel is usually positive
weakness of ulnar nerve innervated muscles may be present including the 1st dorsal interosseous and adductor pollicis

Question 3

what does the 1st dorsal interosseous muscle do?

Answer 3

abduction of the index finger

Question 4

how can weakness of the adductor pollicus be tested?

Answer 4

froments test

Question 5

what can cause cubital tunnel syndrome?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

how is a diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome confirmed?

Answer 6

nerve conduction studies

Question 7

how is cubital tunnel syndrome treated?

Answer 7

may need surgical release of any tight structure