Blog from Dr Anthony A Theodorides

Introduction Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed within a tunnel on the inner (medial) side of the elbow just behind the bony prominence of the inner aspect of the elbow called the medial epicondyle Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is the second most common cause of peripheral nerve compression: The most common one being carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve at the wrist) The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves of the upper limb: The other two nerves of the upper limb are the median nerve and the radial nerve The ulnar nerve travels from the neck past the elbow and wrist and into the hand: Along the way it travels past some narrow areas where it can be constricted and cause symptoms for the patient The most common site of ulnar nerve compression is in the cubital tunnel at the elbow The second most common site is in Guyon’s canal in the hand When someone accidentally hits the inner side of the elbow (often termed hitting the funny bone) they get a sharp tingling sensation on the inner side of the elbow and forearm: This occurs because the ulnar nerve was hit at the site of the cubital tunnel where the nerve is close to the skin surface and therefore easily injured from outside forces

Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand specifically affecting the thumb, index and middle fingers: The little and ring fingers are not affected as they are supplied by another nerve called the ulnar nerve It is the commonest cause of peripheral nerve entrapment It is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes from the forearm into the hand through a passage called carpal (i.e. wrist) tunnel The median nerve is one of three main nerves that supply the upper limb: The other two nerves are the ulnar nerve and the radial nerve

Introduction Tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury of the forearm tendons that originate over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (bony prominence on the outside of the elbow) and act to bring the wrist backward away from the palm Whilst tennis players are particular prone to this condition it does not occur exclusively to them

Introduction This term is also known as repetitive motion or stress injury and occurs as a result of carrying out the same motion repeatedly over time causing injury to muscles and tendons It is associated with repetitive tasks, sustained or awkward position, forceful exertion, vibration or compressive forces It can affect almost any joint in the body Most commonly affected areas are hands, wrists, shoulders and neck It is thought to affect 5-10% of the general population but can be as high as 20-40% in specific working populations