IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Several months of weakness in the left ring and little fingers. No trauma. Nerve conduction study suggested ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Referred for ulnar nerve ultrasound.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male
ultrasound

Ulnar nerve shows continuity. There is no nerve lesion. The nerve is edematous just proximal to the elbow. There is an accessory muscle overlying the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel. There is severe compression of nerve with elbow flexion. However, there is no compression of nerve with elbow extension.

Case Discussion

A diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy was suspected. Ultrasound shows cubital tunnel syndrome due to an accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle. With complete flexion of the elbow, the ulnar nerve is compressed by muscle. 

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome in upper extremity after carpal tunnel syndrome 3. Accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle bridges olecranon and medial humeral epicondyle; this lies superficial to the nerve nerve 2. This muscle is the most common structural abnormality of the cubital tunnel causing ulnar neuropathy 2.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.