From the Research
Examination for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The examination for cubital tunnel syndrome typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electrodiagnostic testing, and imaging studies. The key components of the examination include:
- Clinical evaluation: A thorough medical history and physical examination to assess symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm 1, 2, 3
- Electrodiagnostic testing: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of nerve damage 1, 4, 3
- Imaging studies: Ultrasound and MRI to visualize the ulnar nerve and cubital tunnel, and to identify any anatomical abnormalities or compression 1, 4
- Provocative testing: Special tests, such as Tinel's sign, elbow flexion, and pressure provocation, to elicit symptoms and assess nerve compression 2, 5
Diagnostic Tools
The following diagnostic tools are used to examine cubital tunnel syndrome:
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) to measure the speed and strength of electrical signals in the ulnar nerve 1, 4, 3
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess the electrical activity of muscles in the hand and arm 1, 4, 3
- Ultrasound to visualize the ulnar nerve and cubital tunnel, and to measure the cross-sectional area and flattening index of the nerve 4
- MRI to visualize the ulnar nerve and cubital tunnel, and to identify any anatomical abnormalities or compression 1
- Provocative tests, such as Tinel's sign, elbow flexion, and pressure provocation, to elicit symptoms and assess nerve compression 2, 5
Key Findings
The key findings of the examination for cubital tunnel syndrome include:
- Abnormal nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) results, indicating nerve damage or compression 1, 4, 3
- Ultrasound and MRI findings of anatomical abnormalities or compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel 1, 4
- Positive provocative test results, indicating nerve compression or irritation 2, 5
- Clinical symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm, consistent with cubital tunnel syndrome 1, 2, 3