Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that leads to numbness and tingling in the hand and forearm, especially in the “pinky” finger, and weakness of the hand with activities that require power and grip. It is usually caused by pressure on a very important nerve at the level of the elbow, the “funny bone” nerve. Although it most often occurs in middle-age and older individuals, it can also happen in active young athletes due to “snapping” of the nerve over the bone of the elbow. It can wake you from sleep, and is generally worse with activities where the elbow is held bent for long periods of time, such as talking on the phone or texting. If left untreated for many years, it can lead to permanent loss of sensation, weakness, and shrinking of the muscles in the hand.
Standard treatments for cubital tunnel syndrome include activity modification and splinting.
At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Johnny Nelson trained with some of the world’s top experts on cubital tunnel syndrome. Advanced treatments for this condition include surgical release and transposition of the nerve, tendon and microscopic nerve transfers.
