Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar ("funny bone") nerve as it passes behind the inner elbow — causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
The ulnar nerve runs behind the bony bump on the inner elbow — the "funny bone" — through a narrow space called the cubital tunnel. Leaning on the elbow, keeping it bent for long periods (such as at night or on the phone), or individual anatomy can compress the nerve. It is the second most common nerve compression in the arm after carpal tunnel.
Symptoms to watch for
- Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, often worse with the elbow bent or at night
- Aching on the inner side of the elbow
- Hand weakness or clumsiness, trouble with fine tasks
- In advanced cases, visible muscle wasting in the hand
How it is diagnosed
A physical exam tests the nerve at the elbow, and a nerve conduction study (EMG) measures how well the nerve is working and how severe the compression is. X-rays may be added if a bony cause is suspected.
Treatment
Mild or early cases often respond to simple measures: avoiding leaning on the elbow, a night splint to keep it from bending, and padding. When symptoms persist, or when there is weakness or muscle wasting, surgery to release — and sometimes reposition — the nerve is recommended. Treating it earlier gives the nerve the best chance to recover fully.
Numb, tingling ring and little fingers?
An evaluation can pinpoint the nerve and guide treatment.
Common questions
It is the same idea — a pinched nerve — but a different nerve and location. Carpal tunnel is at the wrist (thumb-side fingers); cubital tunnel is at the elbow (ring and little fingers).
Caught early, symptoms often improve with simple measures. Long-standing compression with weakness may only partly recover, which is why earlier treatment is better.
Bending the elbow stretches and compresses the nerve. A splint that keeps the elbow relatively straight at night frequently reduces symptoms.
Mild weakness often improves after the nerve is decompressed. Severe, long-standing weakness and muscle wasting may not fully recover, so don't wait if the hand is getting weaker.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation. Your specific diagnosis and treatment plan should come from Dr. Hachadorian based on your exam and imaging.