Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve — the nerve that runs along the inside of the elbow — becomes pinched or compressed as it passes through a narrow space called the cubital tunnel. This condition is similar to, but less common than, carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs at the wrist.

Find a specialist

Find a location

Cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar nerve entrapment is compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve in the elbow area

Ulnar nerve anatomy

The ulnar nerve travels from the neck down the arm and passes behind the inner portion of the elbow through the cubital tunnel. Because this tunnel is narrow, increased pressure or prolonged bending of the elbow can irritate the nerve and lead to symptoms in the hand and fingers.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may include:

Pain, numbness or tingling, usually in the small and ring fingers
Weakness or clumsiness of the hand
Symptoms that worsen at night or with activities such as driving and may become constant over time
Aching pain or a snapping sensation along the inner portion of the elbow

Causes

Anything that increases pressure, swelling or irritation in the cubital tunnel can lead to cubital tunnel syndrome. This often happens when the elbow stays bent for long periods.

Factors and medical conditions associated with cubital tunnel syndrome include:

Elbow bent for long periods (driving, sleeping, reading)
Overuse or repetitive activities
Diabetes, thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis
Swelling from fractures or other acute injuries
Excessively loose tissue around the nerve that allows it to snap or shift

View the Cubital Tunnel Syndrome patient education article.

Cubital tunnel articles in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition and treatment. Read disclaimer.

Diagnosis

Your hand and wrist specialist will talk with you about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam of your hand and arm. In most cases, this evaluation is enough to diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome.

If symptoms are severe or long-standing, we may perform a nerve test to confirm the location of the compressed nerve and help guide further treatment.

Why treatment matters

Nonoperative treatment

Activity modification recommendations
Night-time elbow splinting
Anti-inflammatory medications

Operative treatment

In cases that are severe, long-standing or have not improved with nonoperative treatment, a minor surgical procedure can often significantly improve symptoms. There are several options regarding the type of anesthesia and procedure, but the most common technique involves mild IV sedation, regional nerve block numbing of the arm, and a small incision on the inner portion of the elbow to relieve pressure around the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.