Cubital tunnel syndrome: current principles of diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS) is manifested as hand sensory and motor impairments due to ulnar nerve compression in the cubital tunnel. The diagnosis is based on clinical data and is confirmed by electroneuromyography and ultrasonography. Conservative treatment methods (avoiding certain postures and movements; elbow splinting or orthosis use; and special exercises) is indicated for early-stage and mild CTS. Surgical treatment is indicated when conservative treatment is ineffective and when a patient has objective hand muscle weakness and atrophy. The paper considers the etiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors of CTS, and principles of its clinical and instrumental diagnosis and treatment in patients with this condition.

Keywords

• cubital tunnel syndrome
• ulnar neuropathy
• ulnar nerve compression
• electroneuromyography
• ultrasonography
• cubital tunnel syndrome treatment