Cubital tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy, or nerve compression syndrome, a condition caused by compression, traction or friction, of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Nerve compression is also known as a trapped nerve. The ulnar nerve travels from the shoulder (brachial plexus) down the length of the arm to the hand. Along its course it may become compressed at several sites. At the elbow the ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel. Ulnar nerve compression most commonly occurs at the level of the cubital tunnel. The ulnar nerve provides motor and sensory innervation to the forearm, and hand and its compression can cause the numbness and other symptoms associated with cubital tunnel syndrome. In many cases the cause is unknown.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is an ulnar neuropathy that can be caused not only by compression at the cubital tunnel level itself, but can also be caused by movement of the elbow. The volume of the cubital tunnel may be reduced when being moved from full extension to a lesser degree of flexion. Symptoms may include a claw hand.