Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Nerve conduction study is an effective tool to diagnose and also understand the effect on both the sensory and motor (muscle) component of the ulnar nerve.

Conservative Management

​Physiotherapy, ulnar nerve gliding exercises, keeping the elbow straight while sleeping at night may help resolve cubital tunnel symptoms in some.

Steroid Injection

Steroid injection can help allay the symptoms of the cubital tunnel syndrome. However, there is a risk of recurrence of the symptoms 3-4 months post injection. If it recurs, then surgery is the preferred option.

Cubital Tunnel Release Surgery

​This is an open surgery with a cut of around 7cm length on the innder side of the elbow. It is performed under general anaesthesia. The ulnar nerve is identified and carefully released from all the tight bands/ tissues compressing the nerve. Post that, usually the nerve in transposed to sit in the front of the medial epicondyle (the prominent bone on the inner side of the elbow) to relieve the tension and stress on the nerve.  Skin is usually closed with internal stitches and a bulky dressing is applied. The surgical time is around 1 hour. 

Rehabilitation

Finger movements are encouraged early. Gentle passive and active stretches of the elbow are started after 2 weeks. By 4 weeks strengthening exercises are started. One can expect back to most of the regular activities by 6 weeks.

The symptoms of cubital tunnel resolve slowly post-surgery over a period of 1 to 3 months. Pain relief occurs early by 2 to 3 weeks. Tingling resolves around 4 to 6 weeks. Muscle strength is the last one to return and takes around 2 to 3 months. In patients with the long standing cubital tunnel symptoms of more than a year, the symptom resolution occurs over a longer period of time and occasionally may remain incomplete.