From the Research
Cubital tunnel syndrome treatment should begin with conservative measures, and if symptoms persist, surgical intervention with in situ decompression is the most effective treatment option, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Treatment Options
- Conservative measures: avoiding elbow flexion, using an elbow splint at night, and taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily) or naproxen (500mg twice daily) for pain relief.
- Physical therapy exercises: focusing on nerve gliding and strengthening the surrounding muscles to reduce symptoms.
- Surgical options:
- In situ decompression: the most effective treatment option, as it has been shown to have equal success rates to other surgical techniques, with less risk of complications 1.
- Ulnar nerve transposition: may be considered in cases where the luxation is painful or the ulnar nerve "snaps" back and forth over the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
- Medial epicondylectomy: may be considered in cases of severe bone or tissue changes of the elbow.
Important Considerations
- Early treatment is crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting.
- The choice of treatment should be based on the severity of symptoms and the presence of muscle weakness or atrophy.
- The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the best evidence for guiding treatment decisions.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The use of education and activity modification or splinting is recommended for mild or moderate cubital tunnel syndrome, as supported by moderate strength evidence 2.
- Surgical intervention should be considered if symptoms persist or are severe, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.