Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the nerves in the elbow are compressed causing pain and inflammation.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the nerves in the elbow are compressed causing pain and inflammation.
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Also known as Ulnar Nerve Entrapment, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that stems from ulnar nerve compression or entrapment at the elbow. The most common cause is frequent elbow bending, localised injury, bone spurs and previous fracture. Any activity that involves putting pressure on your elbow for extended periods of time may contribute to the development of this condition.
The most common symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome include numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers, or a general feeling of weakness in the hands. You may also feel an aching pain in the elbow or notice that your fingers tend to “fall asleep” or go numb, particularly when the elbow is bent. Left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious conditions such as muscle wasting in the hand.
Generally, patients of ulnar nerve release surgery experience positive outcomes and regain strength in the affected hand or hands. Still, the best way to enhance your recovery prospects is to follow a rehabilitation program created by your doctor. Ultimately, the results of surgery and rehabilitation depend on the extent of damage to the nerve. Results are often improved by following recovery and rehabilitation plans.
Whilst the majority of people who undergo elbow surgery do well and are very happy with their results, there are risks which are specific to elbow surgery in addition to the general risks of surgery. This includes deep infection, injury to the nerves tendons or blood vessels close to the surgical field which may require further surgery, stiffness or loss of motion, developing abnormal bone formation such as heterotopic ossification or myositis ossificans, ongoing pain, instability, fracture of the bones and abnormal pain responses such as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Most of these risks are low and less than 5% but stiffness is not uncommon but usually resolves with time with physiotherapy. It is important to be aware of these risks before consenting to surgery. There are also risks relating to the specific type of elbow surgery that you are having, which Dr Cheriachan will discuss with you in detail during your consultation.
Recovering from Cubital Tunnel Syndrome can take from as little as several weeks to several months. With adequate time symptoms such as numbness or tingling will reduce. Following your doctor’s recommendations for physical therapy is key to making a complete recovery. It may take up to four or five months for your arm to return to full strength capacity.
Preparing for your visit
Dr Cheriachan consults from Norwest on Wednesdays and Blacktown on Mondays and Thursdays.
Your first visit will be used to carefully assess your condition as well as gathering all related health information. It is important that you bring all relevant documents including scans and x-rays. We also ask that you wear clothing that allows freedom of movement as your visit will include a physical examination.