Symptoms and evaluation
Patients commonly notice numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, symptoms with prolonged elbow flexion and, in more advanced cases, weakness or loss of hand coordination. Evaluation considers the entire course of the ulnar nerve and other possible sources of symptoms.
Treatment options
Early treatment can include avoiding prolonged elbow flexion and pressure on the nerve. When symptoms persist or nerve dysfunction is significant, surgical options can include ulnar nerve decompression and, when appropriate, anterior transposition. The operative approach is selected for the individual patient.
Recovery and return to activity
Recovery depends on nerve severity and the procedure performed. Numbness can improve differently from pain, and recovery of longstanding weakness may be slower or incomplete because nerve recovery takes time.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve near the elbow, while carpal tunnel affects the median nerve at the wrist. Both can produce hand numbness, but the typical finger distribution and examination findings differ.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.