One of the main nerves in your arm is called the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve extends from your shoulder region to your hand. It passes through two "tunnels" in its journey, one behind the elbow and one in the wrist. The tunnel at the elbow is called the cubital tunnel. It is on the inside of the arm under a bony bump called the medial epicondyle, otherwise known as the funny bone. The nerve is very close to both bone and skin at this site. It is very susceptible to pressure or compression. Anyone who has bumped their funny bone understands this. The problem arises when the nerve is repeatedly compressed or irritated. This can cause chronic numbness and tingling in the hand. In extreme cases, it can even cause weakening of the grip or problems with finger coordination.

Although the nerve compression occurs at the elbow, the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are felt in the hand. Numbness and tingling in the ring and little finger are most common. The symptoms may be more pronounced when the elbow is bent. Activities involving repetitive and prolonged flexing of the elbow put you at risk for cubital tunnel syndrome; frequently people who sleep with their elbows bent will have the problem.

If symptoms continue untreated for an extended period, you may begin to notice a weakening grip or difficulty in using a pinching motion. It is important that you seek treatment before muscle wasting occurs.

After a thorough physical examination, Dr. Cohen will be able to determine a course of treatment. This will depend upon the severity and extent of the injuries. In some cases, conservative non-surgical treatment such as medication and splinting may be all that is required. In instances requiring surgical treatment, Dr. Cohen is uniquely qualified to treat complex trauma, infections, occupational injuries, sports injuries, fingertip injuries – as well as revision of previous hand surgery.