Cubital tunnel syndrome is a progressive entrapment neuropathy of the ulnar nerve at the medial aspect of the elbow.
The roof of the cubital tunnel is elastic, formed by a myofascial trilaminar retinaculum. The pathological fusion of these three layers reduces gliding of the ulnar nerve during movements of the elbow joint. This may play a role in producing the symptoms typical of cubital tunnel syndrome.
Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel (a tunnel of muscle, ligament, and bone) on the inside of the elbow, is injured and becomes inflamed, swollen, and irritated.
the ulnar nerveThe epicondylar (ulnar) groove is a fibro-osseous tunnel holding the ulnar nerve and its vascular accompaniment. It is slightly distal to the medial epicondyle, or at least to the beginning of it.
At the elbow, the ulnar nerve travels through a tunnel of tissue (the cubital tunnel) that runs under a bump of bone at the inside of your elbow. This bony bump is called the medial epicondyle.
The flexor retinaculum is a fibrous connective tissue band that forms the anterior roof of the carpal tunnel. Many experts consider the flexor retinaculum synonymous with the transverse carpal ligament and the annular ligament; for this discussion, they will be considered the same structure.
Introduction. The cubital fossa is an area of transition between the anatomical arm and the forearm. It is located in a depression on the anterior surface of the elbow joint. It is also called the antecubital fossa because it lies anteriorly to the elbow (Latin cubitus) when in standard anatomical position.
While carpal tunnel syndrome affects the thumb, index, and long fingers, cubital tunnel syndrome affects the small and ring fingers. Cubital tunnel syndrome may also cause pain similar to when you hit your funny bone.
It's a popular moniker of cubital tunnel syndrome—neuritis, or inflammation of the ulnar nerve. Is it related to tennis elbow? It's completely unrelated. [Tennis elbow is tendonitis, and is caused by inflammation of the tendons.]
The ulnar nerve is one of five nerve branches of the brachial plexus. This nerve bundle sends sensory information and helps you move your shoulders, arms and hands. The brachial plexus starts as nerve roots in the cervical spine in the neck.
Peripheral Nerve Injury of the Upper Extremity The ulnar nerve originates from the medial cord of the brachial plexus and travels down the anterior arm, positioned either medial or posterior to the brachial artery.
The ulnar nerve is trapped between the bone and the overlying skin at this point. This is commonly referred to as bumping one's "funny bone". This name is thought to be a pun, based on the sound resemblance between the name of the bone of the upper arm, the humerus, and the word "humorous".