[Cubital tunnel syndrome : Diagnostics and therapy]

Abstract

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve compression syndrome observed in the upper extremity. Mechanical irritation of the ulnar nerve is also found in the upper and the lower arm even though cubital tunnel syndrome is documented most of the time. Apart from clinical examination electrophysiological testing is the most important contributor to the therapy decision. Depending on the clinical manifestation conservative treatment with elbow splinting may be appropriate. In the event of persistent or advanced nerve irritation surgical decompression may be the sensible intervention. Open or endoscopically assisted in situ decompression is currently recommended as the primary intervention while anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is recommended for revision surgery.

Keywords: Decompression; Electrophysiology; Nerve compression; Nerve entrapment; Ulnar nerve.