Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

The ulnar nerve takes root at the level of the 8th cervical vertebra and the 10th dorsal, it travels along the arm and the forearm into the hand where it plays a sensory and motor role in the 4th and 5th rays of the Hand (ring and auricular). Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow is a frequent cause of consultation for pain, mainly nocturnal, at the elbow and numbness of the last two fingers of the hand.

Ulnar nerve entrapment may have various origins such as a history of fracture, dislocation of the elbow, development of osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.

The pain is mainly nocturnal with paresthesia (tingling) felt in the last two fingers of the hand that can evolve -in the most severe cases- towards a major deformation of these fingers.

During the consultation, your surgeon will perform an accurate interrogation and a clinical examination to test finger sensitivity and loss of strength. An electromyogram (EMG) may be useful to validate the diagnosis.

Treatment options

Medical Treatment

In the first instance, the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications can relieve the painful phenomena. In addition, a nocturnal extension splint can be proposed.

Surgical Treatment

The procedure consists in releasing the nerve from compression.

At the Bordeaux-Merignac Sport Clinic, this arthroscopic procedure is performed as outpatient basis.

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