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 numbness and paresthesia on the ulnar side of the hand and elbow pain. In advanced stages, weakness of the ring and little fingers may develop. Weakness interferes with pinch of the thumb and index finger.
Surgical decompression is done if conservative treatment fails.
Compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve in the proximal forearm or back of the arm, resulting in lancinating pain into the dorsum of the forearm and hand. Lesions at the elbow level include trauma, ganglia, lipomas, bone tumors, and radial bursitis. Pain is precipitated by attempted extension of the wrist and fingers. There is no sensory loss because the radial nerve is principally a motor nerve. Localized Tinel's sign and tenderness along the course of the radial nerve must be distinguished from lateral epicondylitis.