Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, or cubital tunnel syndrome, is the second most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome in the upper extremity. Diagnosis is made through a good history and physical examination. Electrodiagnostic testing can confirm the diagnosis and severity of injury to the nerve. Surgical intervention is indicated when nonoperative treatment does not relieve the symptoms. There is currently no consensus on the best surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. However, the only randomized prospective studies to compare treatment options to date indicate that simple decompression and anterior transposition yield comparable results.