CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Ulnar nerve is one of the most important nerves of hand. It supplies muscles of the forearm and hand. It also provides sensation to little and ring fingers. Ulnar nerve is most commonly compressed at the elbow and less frequently at the wrist. Compression causes numbness in the ring and little fingers , weakness of hand and hand clumsiness. Compression at the elbow is known as “ Cubital Tunnel Syndrome “.

Common causes are mechanical compression due to repeated elbow flexion , fractures around the elbow or slippage of ulnar nerve.

The condition is common and diagnosed mainly by examining the patient. Electrodiagnostic tests such as EMG and NCS can aid in the diagnosis.

Many patients with mild symptoms are managed with 2-4 months of splinting and activity modification. Resistant cases and severe cases of cubital tunnel syndrome may require surgical intervention. Common surgical procedure performed is anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve.

One or two days' hospitalisation may be advised following surgery. Shoulder and finger movements are encouraged from the next day. A splint to immobilise the elbow is used for 3 weeks. Patients can start using his hand for activities after 3 weeks.

Compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist is rare. Fracture of bones around, lesions like ganglion, dilatation of blood vessels ( aneurysms) etc are causes of the compression. Removing the cause of compression often relieves the symptoms of the patien