Cubital tunnel syndrome
This is compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This results in pain, numbness of the little and ring fingers plus hand weakness. Severe cases may have muscle wasting of the forearm and hand.
When you ‘hit your funny bone’, it is rarely funny and does not refer to hitting a bone! The ulnar nerve is injured (usually temporarily) and results in the same uncomfortable tingling sensation in the little and ring finger.
Non-surgical treatment: elbow splint, especially at night
Cubital tunnel decompression +/- transposition
You will have an incision on the back of your elbow, to release the nerve. The is sometimes moved forward (transposition) under the fat it if is unstable in its groove, or if you are unable to fully straighten your elbow (flexion deformity).
Benefit: decreased numbness and increased strength in the hand.
Risks: pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, recurrence, nerve injury
Anesthesia: general anaesthesia.
Duration in hospital: 0.5 days.
After Surgery
You will have a heavy bandage on your elbow. You should remove this the following day. Start moving your fingers and hand immediately after the operation.
You will have a wound check with the practice nurse 2 weeks after surgery.
Dr McGonagle will review you in clinic 6 weeks after surgery.