Cubital tunnel syndrome

[Jessica]

Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression or traction of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Symptoms include elbow pain and paresthesias in the ulnar nerve distribution. Diagnosis is suggested by symptoms and signs and sometimes nerve conduction studies. Treatments include splinting and sometimes surgical decompression.
(See also Overview and Evaluation of Hand Disorders.)
The ulnar nerve is commonly irritated at the elbow or, rarely, the wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome is most often caused by leaning on the elbow or by prolonged and excessive elbow flexion. It is less common than carpal tunnel syndrome. Baseball pitching (particularly sliders), which can injure the medial elbow ligaments, confers risk.