The cubital tunnel is a tunnel formed by bones and ligaments on the inside of the elbow. The ulnar nerve passes through this tunnel on its way from the upper arm into the forearm. This nerve is in the area of your “funny bone” and is the reason why you have a tingling sensation in your ring and little fingers when you accidentally hit it.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve as it passes through this tunnel. The ulnar nerve normally stretches a few millimeters every time the elbow is flexed. When this is done repeatedly or for prolonged periods of time, the nerve can become irritated and inflamed. Direct pressure on the elbow and trauma are other causal factors. The nerve can also move from its original position in the tunnel to a place outside the tunnel, leading to continued irritation and inflammation.

At Samra Plastic Surgery servicing Monmouth County, we offer surgical treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome. Surgery involves movement (or transposition) of the nerve to a new location where it is not compressed (submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve). The surgery is a delicate operation, but recovery is typically quick and it may both provide relief of the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome and prevent further damage to the ulnar nerve.

This is an example of the cubital tunnel procedure on one of our patients.

Before

After