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Ulnar nerve syndrome

Pressure damage of the nerve at the elbow

If a light blow to the elbow causes intense discomfort or even pain, the “funny bone” has probably been hit. However, it is not so much a concrete bone that is involved, but a sensitive and largely unprotected nerve: the ulnar nerve. In ulnar nerve syndrome, this prominent nerve is damaged. In most cases, the bone groove is too narrow or connective tissue scarring causes pressure damage. Prompt treatment supports the regeneration of the nerve and makes the discomfort disappear.

If you have pain and pressure sensations with discomfort along the elbow, you should have this evaluated promptly to promote symptom relief and prevent secondary damage. If you suspect ulnar nerve syndrome, make an appointment with our specialists at the Orthopedic Center Munich East (OZMO).

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The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

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Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost - Ellenbogen - Erkrankungen

Table of Contents:

What is ulnar nerve syndrome?

Symptoms of ulnar nerve pressure damage
Causes of ulnar nerve syndrome

Diagnosis of ulnar groove syndrome
Treatment for ulnar nerve syndrome
Your appointment with our experts for ulnar nerve syndrome at OZMO

What is ulnar nerve syndrome?

Ulnar nerve syndrome affects the nerve of the same name that runs along the elbow in the ulnar groove. The nerve lies directly and without lasting protective tissue under the skin, which is why even a slight impact can cause severe discomfort and pain. Because of its sensitivity, this area is also known as the “funny bone”. Ulnar nerve syndrome results from pressure damage to the nerve. It is one of the constriction syndromes in which surrounding tissue constricts the nerve and pressure on the nerve tissue causes damage.

Other names of the syndrome are

Ulnar groove syndrome,
Sulcus Ulnaris Syndrome,
Osborn syndrome or
Cubital tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms of ulnar nerve pressure damage

If ulnar nerve syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome is present, the constriction of the ulnar nerve at the level of the elbow causes discomfort and pain. However, there may also be impaired strength and mobility because the sensory nerve also contains fibers for motor functions. In addition, complaints such as the recurring “falling asleep” of the ring and little fingers or a noticeable loss of strength in the fine motor skills of the hand become apparent, which, as the syndrome progresses without treatment, can extend to a noticeable reduction in the muscles of the palm.

If the ulnar nerve syndrome progresses further, the little finger often can no longer be placed against the ring finger without effort. Nerve conduction is reduced and the nerve is permanently damaged by the sustained pressure without relief. The longer the cubital tunnel syndrome is present, the longer the possible regeneration of the nerve takes or the greater the risk of irreversible nerve damage.

Causes of ulnar nerve syndrome

In most cases, the cause of ulnar nerve syndrome is permanent pressure on the elbow area, for example by leaning on a hard surface at the desk or excessive bending of the elbow (e.g. working posture or even during sleep). Other causes can be found in accidental bruising, in a change in the elbow joint caused by osteoarthritis, or in hardened and thickened tissue fibers such as strong muscle fibers with swelling or scarring in the minor connective tissue.

In all these cases, the comparatively narrow nerve canal is additionally narrowed. The permanent pressure on the ulnar nerve leads to overstimulation in the nerve tissue and, in the long term, to damage that results in ulnar nerve syndrome.

Diagnosis of ulnar groove syndrome

At the specialist for orthopedics, the diagnosis with a suspicion of ulnar nerve syndrome is first made by taking a medical history with a physical examination. For example, a possible decrease in the hand’s internal musculature is examined, and specific movements are used to test the placement of the little finger against the ring finger. Neurological examinations follow via the measurement of nerve conduction velocity, which can be used not only to disprove or confirm cubital tunnel syndrome, but also to assess the present stage of the disease.

Based on the careful diagnosis, the proper treatment for ulnar nerve syndrome is then outlined by the orthopedic surgeon and therapy is initiated. The appropriate treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome depends on the symptoms, cause and stage at the time of treatment. The earlier ulnar nerve syndrome is recognized and treated, the better the chances of complete regeneration of the damaged nerve tissue.

Treatment for ulnar nerve syndrome

To treat the discomfort caused by ulnar nerve syndrome, conservative therapy is the first step, along with any necessary behavioral changes (no propping up if this was a cause). Mild symptoms may be helped by anti-inflammatory medications and/or a splint to protect the area at the elbow joint.

If more severe symptoms are already present, neurolysis may be necessary by means of surgery, in which the nerve is freed from pressure-producing adhesions or adhesions in the tissue. In this case, an elastic bandage or splint can be used for immobilization after surgery and physical therapy can be used to promote mobility and functionality for restoring strength and hand function. The healing process depends on the extent of pressure damage in the nerve and can take about a year, even in moderately severe stages, to fully regenerate the ulnar nerve.

Your appointment with our experts for ulnar nerve syndrome at OZMO

If you would like to have complaints related to the ulnar nerve examined, we look forward to hearing from you. At the Orthopaedic Center Munich East (OZMO), three experienced specialists and an accomplished practice team are at your side. In most cases, diagnostics and treatment are carried out directly under one roof, and surgical interventions can also be performed without complications by our orthopedic specialists.

Call us to schedule your appointment for treatment of conditions such as ulnar nerve syndrome and other conditions requiring orthopedic treatment. We are happy to be of service to you at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost.

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