Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, resulting in numbness and paresthesia of the ring and little fingers. Cubital tunnel syndrome is less common than carpal tunnel syndrome. Baseball pitchers are prone to cubital tunnel syndrome because of the extra twist of the arm required to throw a slider. Symptoms include elbow pain and numbness and paresthesia on the ulnar side of the hand. In advanced stages, weakness of the ring and little fingers may develop.
Weakness interferes with pinch of the thumb and index finger.
If two or more nerves are simultaneously involved, associated compression invariably occurs at the brachial plexus. Surgical decompression is performed if conservative treatment fails. Pain and limited motion of the shoulder and ipsilateral involvement of the hand. An underlying predisposition has been postulated, but the pathogenesis is not completely understood. Early x-rays of the involved hands commonly show spotty osteoporosis.