What Is a Cubital Tunnel Release?
Cubital tunnel release is a surgical treatment option used to help patients suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome. It relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve near the elbow. The ulnar nerve controls muscles in the hands and nerve sensations for the ring and pinky fingers. In the United States alone, approximately 15,000 cubital tunnel release surgeries are performed each year.
What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
The ulnar nerve is located on the interior side of the elbow and comes through the cubital tunnel. When this nerve is compressed, resulting in discomfort, it is known as cubital tunnel syndrome.
This can be brought on by the following:
- Repetitive motion
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Thickened ligaments
What Are the Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Symptoms vary from patient to patient, but the following are the most common:
- Elbow pain
- Grip weakness
- Tingling in the ring and pinky fingers
It’s important to note that patients can experience more than one symptom at a time.
Are There Any Non-Surgical Treatments Available?
There are a few non-surgical options available to help treat cubital tunnel syndrome. Typically, they are less effective than cubital tunnel release surgery, but some patients experience relief using them.
- Physical Therapy: Improves flexibility and strength in the affected hand.
- Splinting: Allows agitated tissue to return to a normal state, alleviating symptoms.
If these treatment options fail to provide the necessary relief, cubital tunnel release surgery is recommended.
How Does this Surgical Treatment Help?
When a patient undergoes cubital tunnel release surgery, the relief is immediate. Once the pressure is removed from the ulnar nerve, the numbness, weakness and tingling sensations will disappear. Normal sensation, strength and motion will all return to normal.
What to Expect During Cubital Tunnel Release Surgery
While any invasive surgical procedure should be carefully considered, cubital tunnel release surgery is relatively simple, typically lasting 30–60 minutes.
The procedure entails the following:
- Making a small incision on the inside of the affected elbow.
- Addressing the nerves by releasing the ligaments that are pressing down on the nerve.
- Moving the nerve to a less constricted position.
- Closing the incision.
Recovery Following Cubital Tunnel Release Surgery
Recovery times will vary from patient to patient. However, most can return to their routine within a matter of weeks. In some cases, physical therapy might be recommended to specific patients to help improve strength and range of motion. Anti-inflammatory medication could be prescribed to help keep the swelling down.
Factors that can impact recovery time:
- Severity of Symptoms: Patients with severe symptoms may take longer to recover than those with mild symptoms.
- Health of the Patient: The healthier the patient is at the time of surgery, the quicker they can recover.
- Age of the Patient: The younger the patient, the shorter the recovery period.
If you are experiencing cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms or want to learn more about cubital tunnel release surgery, please contact University Orthopaedic Associates to talk with one of our hand and upper extremity surgeons. We are here to answer your questions and guide your treatment journey.
