bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Introduction
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a disorder caused by compression (pinching) of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Repetitive use of the elbow can cause cubital tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include numbness and a pins-and-needles sensation of the ring and little fingers and pain in the elbow. Doctors base the diagnosis on an examination and, if needed, the results of nerve function tests. Treatment includes physical therapy and a splint, or sometimes surgery. (See also Overview of Hand Disorders .) The cubital tunnel is called a tunnel because it is the narrow passageway through which the ulnar nerve passes around the elbow on its way to the wrist and hand. The ulnar nerve provides sensation to the little finger, ring finger, and the side of the hand. Because the ulnar nerve passes close to the surface of the skin at the elbow (“funny bone”), it is easily damaged by repeatedly leaning on the elbow, by bending the elbow for prolonged periods, or sometimes by abnormal bone growth in the area. Cubital tunnel syndrome is less common than Carpal Tunnel Syndrome . Baseball pitchers are prone to cubital tunnel syndrome because of the extra twist of the arm required to throw a pitch called a slider. 