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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Jeremy Schmitz, MD, ABFM and Kenneth P. Barnes, MD, MSc, CAQSM, FACSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

  • Compression, traction, or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel of the medial elbow

  • The cubital tunnel is bounded by the medial trochlea, the medial epicondylar g...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Vague, aching pain in the region of the elbow, worsening with overhead activities

  • Paresthesias over the 4th and 5th digits

  • Numbness of the 4th and 5th digits

  • Weakness of interosseous and...

TREATMENT

  • Conservative treatment is effective in up to 90% of patients irrespective of EMG/NCV results 5,6,7,8[B].

  • The most effective treatment is cessation of activity that is causing the problem.

  • A sp...

REFERENCES

1
Cheng CJ, Mackinnon-Patterson B, Beck JL, et al. Scratch collapse test for evaluation of carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am.  2008;33(9):1518–1524.
2
Sattari S, Emad M. ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Cutts S. Cubital tunnel syndrome. Postgrad Med J.  2007;83(975):28–31. 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Most important part of treatment is to minimize elbow flexion and pressure on the elbow and to engage in relative rest from repetitive activity.

  • Screen overhead athletes for ulnar colla...

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