It is the second most common peripheral mononeuropathy of the upper extremity and the most common neuropathy of the ulnar nerve. The prevalence of CuTS is surprisingly high. 2 Thus, an accurate and adequate diagnosis and treatment of CuTS is necessary to prevent further progression of the disease and reduce the likelihood of decreased quality of life. Chronic ulnar nerve compression and CuTS, when left untreated, can lead to atrophy of the first dorsal interosseus muscle and affect one’s quality of life to the point that they are no longer able to participate in daily activities involving fine motor function. 1 Overuse of these motions and anatomical susceptibility of the elbow partially explain this syndrome’s frequency. Repetitive pressure, stretching, flexion, or trauma of the elbow joint are known causes of CuTS. 3 CuTS is defined as compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow in the cubital tunnel. 2 Ulnar pain can originate from compression of a variety of places such as the cervical nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord, the brachial plexus, the thoracic outlet, or further down the upper extremity in the arm, elbow, forearm, or wrist. Symptoms decrease quality of life and vary in severity from weakness to loss of fine motor skills. 2 Symptoms are often worse at night or present with certain joint positions or movements such as elbow flexion. ![]() Cubital tunnel syndrome can manifest as numbness, tingling, or pain in the ring/small fingers and dorsoulnar hand. Although research analyzing disease susceptibility and premier treatment approaches are mostly inconclusive, they can broaden physician knowledge of disease causation and management when viewed collectively. 1 Despite its prevalence, CuTS is often difficult for physicians to diagnose and treat diagnostic and treatment frameworks have not been widely agreed upon. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is paramount in reducing further damage and preventing worsening or future symptoms.Ĭubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS) is the most commonly diagnosed mononeuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgical options include open and endoscopic in-situ decompression, medial epicondylectomy, and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve.ĬuTS is a prevalent disease that, if left untreated, can significantly alter an individual’s quality of life. Surgical treatment may be pursued in severe CuTS refractory to conservative treatment. Ultrasound and nerve conduction studies may be used in combination with physical exam for diagnosis.Ĭonservative treatment for CuTS is almost always pursued before surgical treatment and includes elbow splints, braces, and night-gliding exercises. CuTS can be diagnosed by physical exam using Tinel’s sign, flexion-compression tests, palpating the ulnar nerve for thickening presence of local tenderness along the nerve. Pain and point tenderness at the medial elbow may also be seen.ĬuTS lacks universally agreed upon diagnostic and treatment algorithms. Older patients tend to present with motor symptoms of chronic onset younger patients tend to have more acute symptoms. ![]() The earliest sign of CuTS is most commonly numbness and tingling of the ring and 5th finger. Repetitive elbow pressure or a history or elbow joint trauma or injury are additional known causes that can lead to CuTS.Ĭommon presentations of CuTS include paresthesia, clumsiness of the hand, hand atrophy and weakness. CuTS is underdiagnosed due to lack of seeking of treatment for symptoms.Ĭompression or damage to the ulnar nerve is the main cause of symptoms experienced by an individual with CuTS. It is estimated that up to 5.9% of the general population have had symptoms of CuTS. ![]() CuTS is the most commonly diagnosed mononeuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS) is the compression of the ulnar nerve as it courses through the cubital tunnel near the elbow at the location colloquially referred to as the “funny bone”.
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