cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment)

Etiology

• entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the elbow

Clinical manifestations

• paresthesias
• Tinel's sign
• sensory abnormalities on the ulnar side of the 4th & 5th fingers
• progressive hand weakness
  • unable to hold a piece of paper between the thumb & lateral aspect of the index finger
• claw hand
• atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles

Laboratory

• nerve conduction study
• electromyography

Differential diagnosis

• C8/T1 radiculopathy
• lower trunk brachial plexopathy
• early motor neuron disease (amyotropic lateral sclerosis)
• ulnar nerve entrapment at the wrist or hand

Management

• elbow splint to prevent flexion
• protection of elbow with elbow pad
• anti-inflammatory agents
• surgical decompression is rarely needed

More general terms

• ulnar neuropathy

Additional terms

• paresthesia; burning; tingling
• Tinel's sign
• ulnar nerve