Cubital tunnel syndrome
The ulnar nerve is responsible for transmitting sensation and supplying some of the muscles responsible for the movement of the wrist and fingers. The nerve passes through a narrow tunnel called the cubital tunnel, which is located in the elbow joint. The picture shows the branches of the ulnar nerve in the palm of the hand. The ulnar nerve provides sensation to the little finger and part of the ring finger. As for movement, the nerve supplies most of the muscles of the hand, and because of this, there is difficulty in using the hand in the event of an injury or pressure on this nerve.
Muscles innervated by the ulnar nerve
flexor carpi ulnaris .
Medial half of flexor digitorum profundus .
Flexor pollicis brevis (deep head).
Adductor pollicis.
Palmar and dorsal interossei.
Opponens digiti minimi.
Abductor digiti minimi.
The medial two lumbricals.
What is Cubital tunnel syndrome?
It is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve get irritated or compressed in the elbow.
Causes of Cubital tunnel syndrome:
1. Elbow fracture.2. Arthritis.3. Prolonged bending of the elbow holding a phone.4. Prolonged pressure to the elbow leaning on the elbow.5. Sport; Baseball.
Symptoms:
1. Numbness, pain, or pins and needles in the ring and little fingers.2. Forearm pain.3. Weak grip and clumsiness.4. Difficulties in fine movements of the hand writing.
