About Cubital Tunnel

Normally an EMG (Electromyography) is ordered to determine the severity of the condition combined with physical examination. In some cases an x-ray or ultrasound may be required to exclude other contributing factors or adjacent tendon inflammation.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cubital tunnel can be numbness and pain in the elbow and/or tingling especially in the ring and little fingers. Symptoms are usually worse when the elbow is in the flexed position. For example talking on your mobile or keeping your hand bent/crooked in a flexed position whilst sleeping. Severe symptoms can also include weakness affecting ring and little fingers, and muscle wasting of the hand.

Treatment Options

What are the treatment options?

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may often be managed conservatively. Most used measures are resting the arm, anti-inflammatories, the use of a splint and the avoidance of undue pressure i.e. leaning on a desk.

If conservative measures fail to provide relief or your cubital tunnel is classified severe, you may be offered surgery.

What happens during surgery?

Surgery involves an incision over the inner aspect of the elbow. Sometimes, the ligament overlying the nerve is released and decompressed. It may be necessary to move the nerve to the front of the elbow (transposition).

What happens after surgery?

A sling is normally used for the first 2 – 3 weeks post-surgery and only very light duties are permitted. Keep the wound clean, dry and covered. Dissolvable sutures are normally used.

A post-operative appointment is normally allocated about 2 – 3 weeks and only light duties are permitted. At this appointment, A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith checks on your recovery.

During this time, gentle movement and exercises of the hand and wrist is recommended which can include passive exercises. These exercises are most often encouraged to prevent pain and stiffness. The incision site will often be painful, swollen and bruised early after surgery but this normally settles. This is all done under the guidance of a Hand Therapist. A referral will be provided to you.

How long is the recovery period?

Cubital tunnel surgery can often take several months for recovery. Hand therapy is a normal part of post-operative care and A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith often facilitates this post-surgery.

Risks & Concerns

The associated risks of surgery include:

Infection
Scar
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Need for further surgery

Failure to relieve symptoms
Worsening pain
Bleeding
Neurovascular deficit or injury
Risk of anaesthetic

If you experience any problems or have any concerns following your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact the office. A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith staff will ensure that A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith is kept informed of what is occurring and will advise you the best course of action.

If you are unable to reach the office, please do not hesitate to contact your General Practitioner or if it is an emergency, please present to your nearest Emergency Department.