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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The ulnar nerve, or “funny bone” nerve, controls muscles in the forearm and hand, running up through the elbow and gives sensation to part of the hand. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes pressed in the elbow, causing numbness and tingling in the palm, ring finger and small finger.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms:

Cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms are similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but affect the ring finger and little finger. Typically, patients complain of symptoms such as:

  • Tingling or “pins and needles” along the ring and little finger
  • Discomfort in the forearm
  • Pain around the elbow
  • Numbness and weakness in the hand
  • Decrease of muscle mass in the hand
  • Clawing of the hand

A physical exam is the first step in diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are also done to confirm electrical changes in the ulnar nerve.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment:

The first step in cubital tunnel syndrome treatment is anti-inflammatory medication and an elbow splint. Elbow splints are usually worn at night, using elbow pads for “elbow resters.” Normal activities may also need to be adjusted if repetitive elbow movement worsens symptoms. Typically, patients will experience a significant decrease in symptoms with these non-surgical treatment options.

However, for patients with severe or worsening symptoms, surgery may be needed. Ulnar decompression involves making a small incision in the elbow and making small cut in the ligament. This outpatient procedure relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve.

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We specialize in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment.

At Nashville Neurosurgery Associates, we are proud to be one of the region’s leading neurosurgical centers. Our team of board-certified surgeons provide expert care and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Rex-Arendall-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates

REX ARENDALL, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

JAMES M. BARRY, MD

Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon
obbi-Franklin-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates

ROBBI L. FRANKLIN, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Khan-Li-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates-2

KHAN LI, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

D. TIMOTHY LOCKNEY, MD

Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon
Chine-Logan-DO_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates-2

CHINE SP LOGAN, DO, PHD, MHA, MS, FACS, FACOS

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Robert-Mericle-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates

ROBERT A. MERICLE, MD, FAANS

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
William-Schooley-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates-2

WILLIAM SCHOOLEY, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Christopher-Storey-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates

CHRISTOPHER STOREY, MD, PHD

Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon
Arthur Ulm MD Nashville NeurosurgeryAssociates

ARTHUR J. ULM, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Maurice Dalton

Maurice suffered from excruciating pain radiating down his legs for four years. Dr. Ulm performed lumbar fusion surgery after they tried non-surgical care for his pain. Now his life is back to normal!

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