The ulnar canal syndrome (ulnar nerve groove syndrome) is a disease caused by narrowing of the ulnar canal. It occurs most often as a result of injuries, degenerative or inflammatory changes. What are the symptoms of the ulnar canal syndrome and what is the treatment?

ulnar canal syndrome( ulnar groove syndrome ,syndroma canalis ulnaris , cubital tunnel syndrome) is neuropathy caused by compression of the ulnar nerve. It is more common in men and affects the dominant hand. Symptoms first appear at night and become annoying over time throughout the day.

Elbow canal syndrome: causes

The ulnar canal syndrome occurs when there is chronic irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve in the groove at the level of the medial epicondyle of the humerus. They can lead to this:

  • injuries of the elbow joint (blows, overloads, prolonged pressure, post-traumatic scars)
  • joint diseases, e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
  • blood supply disorders in the area
  • displacement of the ulnar nerve caused by the groove being too shallow or by the absence of the aponeurosis that usually covers it,
  • tumors of the ulnar nerve canal (ganglions, lipomas),
  • other (diabetes, alcoholism, chemical poisoning, viral or bacterial inflammation, hormonal disorders, certain medications, vitamin deficiency)

Elbow canal syndrome: symptoms

Patients mainly complain of numbness, tingling and tingling, different perception of touch, disturbed temperature sensation, which increases after bending the limb at the elbow. Besides, there are also other symptoms:

  • pain around the groove and radiating along the nerve path
  • pain at night
  • sensory disturbances, especially in the little and ring fingers and in the inside of the forearm
  • vasomotor disorders (excessive sweating)
  • muscle weakness and associated poor grip, clumsiness and dropping objects
  • deterioration of the precision of manual activities
  • With time, muscle atrophies also appear - among others. the ascaris and interosseous muscles atrophy, as a result of which the fingersa claw is set up, besides, the ball of the thumb is reduced

Elbow canal syndrome: diagnosis

The ulnar canal syndrome is indicated by a positive Froment test - the patient is unable to bend the thumb flat. The so-called compass test - the disease is confirmed when the patient cannot touch his little finger with his thumb, or the Luthy test, which is positive, when the patient is unable to cover the entire circumference of the bottle's hand, grasping it between his thumb and forefinger. Diagnosis is also performed using X-rays of the elbow joint aimed at the groove of the ulnar nerve, EMG examination assessing the efficiency of the ulnar nerve, and magnetic resonance examination showing the soft structures of the groove area.

Elbow canal syndrome: treatment

The treatment of the ulnar canal syndrome is primarily rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy. Operational methods are used when non-invasive methods are unsuccessful.

In severe pain, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as vitamin B6 are administered. in addition, injections of corticosteroids are made in the area of ​​the elbow joint. It is recommended to avoid overloads and bending movements of the elbow joint, rest and use an orthosis to protect against additional injury and accelerate regeneration. ), kinesiotherapy (therapeutic exercises), kinesiotaping and neuromobilization (manual therapy). If the above actions do not give the expected results, the doctor decides about the surgery. However, it should not be delayed too long, because late surgery will reduce pain, but will not restore full mobility. More and more often, surgery to transfer the ulnar nerve is performed using the arthroscopic method. Usually, after two weeks, the sutures are removed and rehabilitation begins, recovery takes place after 4-6 weeks. After six months, the effectiveness of treatment should be assessed by performing a nerve conduction test.

Category:

Spine, bones, joints