About Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS)
CuTS is is the second most common upper extremity compression neuropathy (after CTS), with incidence ~25 per 100,000 annually—1/13th of CTS; twice as common in men, left side > right, peaks ages 40-60. CuTS involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow within the cubital tunnel (under Osborne’s ligament), causing ulnar neuropathy. Pseudo-cubital tunnel syndrome (PCuTS) mimics these symptoms but stems from proximal issues like C8-T1 cervical radiculopathy or thoracic outlet syndrome, without true elbow entrapment—often confirmed by normal elbow Electrodiagnostic Studies but abnormal cervical spine diagnostic studies.
Symptoms
CuTS: Numbness/tingling in ring/little fingers (ulnar distribution), worse with elbow flexion (>90°), night pain, medial elbow ache, hand intrinsic weakness/atrophy (e.g., interossei, claw hand), positive Tinel at elbow, Froment/Wartenberg signs. PCuTS: Similar paresthesias but no elbow tenderness, symptoms with neck motion, normal elbow provocative tests.
Known Causes
- Primary: CuTS: Elbow flexion stretching nerve, Osborne ligament hypertrophy, subluxation over medial epicondyle, repetitive elbow pressure (leaning).
- Secondary: CuTS: Trauma/fracture, cubitus valgus/arthritis, masses (ganglion, lipoma), post-surgery scarring; PCuTS from cranialcervical, shoulder or elbow instability.
Schedule a $69 New Patient Appointment at McPherson Chiropractic Center
Schedule a $69 New Patient Appointment at McPherson Chiropractic Center
