Everything To Know About Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

What Is It?
Signs & Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQ
Medically reviewed by physicians from Seattle Hand Surgery Group on 1/24/2025

What is Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition where a nerve gets compressed as it passes by the inner side of the elbow. The particular nerve involved is called the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve provides the feeling to the ring and small fingers. When you accidentally hit the “funny bone” on the inside of the elbow and feel pins and needles in this area, you are really hitting the ulnar nerve and not a bone at all. The ulnar nerve also carries the signals that control the many of the small muscles between the metacarpal bones of the hand and many of those that control the pinky. For example, crossing your fingers for good luck is an ulnar nerve function. The ulnar nerve passes by the inner side of the elbow through a channel called the cubital tunnel. The floor of the tunnel is a groove in the end of the arm bone known as the humerus. The roof is a dense, fibrous sheet of soft tissue.

Signs & Symptoms Of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

  • Numbness and tingling (often described as “pins and needles”) in the ring and little fingers.
  • Pain on the inside of the elbow.
  • Weakness or clumsiness in the hand.
  • Symptoms worsening when the elbow is bent for extended periods, such as when holding a phone or sleeping.
  • Sensation of popping or snapping in the elbow.
  • Decreased muscle size (atrophy) in certain hand muscles
"Completed both carpel & cubital tunnel surgeries with Dr. Darwulla and his assistant Janelle. I have been putting these off for years and I am so glad I finally got them done. It was needed even though the nerve studies weren’t conclusive for all. Excellent doctor, nurses, facility, and surgery! Highly recommend!"
Patient Review for Dr. Jimmy H. Daruwalla

Causes of Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome

The exact cause of cubital tunnel syndrome is not known. Occasionally it can occur in reaction to an injury or repetitive pressure around the inner elbow, but most cases develop slowly without a specific event.

Diagnosis of Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome

One of our hand doctors will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They may also assess for other medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, that could contribute to nerve issues.

In some cases, additional testing may be necessary, including:
Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity of muscles to assess nerve function.
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Evaluates how well electrical signals travel through the ulnar nerve.

These tests help determine the extent of nerve and muscle involvement and rule out other conditions, such as a pinched nerve in the neck, that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment of Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome

For mild cases, simply avoiding specific arm positions that bring out the symptoms may be all that is needed. Examples would include avoiding resting on the elbow while seated and keeping the elbow straight while sleeping. If simple measures are not keeping the symptoms under control, surgery may be a consideration. Although a variety of surgical techniques are commonly used, they all share the goal of opening the roof of the tunnel to create more room. This is sometimes combined with a repositioning of the nerve to keep it from stretching with elbow movement. Cubital tunnel surgery can be safely performed in an outpatient setting.

Cubital Tunnel
Syndrome FAQ

Can Cubital Tunnel syndrome cause shoulder and neck pain?
Yes, cubital tunnel syndrome can lead to referred pain in the shoulder and neck. This occurs because the ulnar nerve, which is affected in cubital tunnel syndrome, runs from the neck through the shoulder and down the arm. Compression or irritation of the nerve at the elbow can result in discomfort that radiates to the shoulder and neck, creating a sensation of pain or tightness in those areas.

Can Cubital Tunnel syndrome go away on its own?
In some cases, cubital tunnel syndrome may improve with rest, activity modification, and avoiding specific arm positions, but persistent symptoms often require medical intervention.

How long does Cubital Tunnel syndrome last?
The duration can vary widely. Mild cases may resolve in a few weeks, while more severe cases could last months or longer without treatment.

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References:
  1. https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/cubital-tunnel-syndrome
  2. https://sportsmedicine.mayoclinic.org/condition/ulnar-nerve-cubital-tunnel/
  3. https://seattlehand.com/condition/cubital-tunnel-syndrome/