Ulna Neuritis/Instability

About Ulna Neuritis/Instability

This condition is related to entrapment or instability of the ulna nerve in the vicinity of the elbow. The nerve normally travels past the elbow on the medial side through a passageway called the cubital tunnel posterior to the medial epicondyle. As a result of repetitive overuse the nerve can become compressed within the cubital tunnel or unstable causing the nerve to become distressed. Typical symptoms of this condition are pain over the radial aspect of the elbow and numbness or ‘pins and needles’ over the ulna aspect of the hand.

The Conditiion

This condition can be managed effectively with oral anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injection, activity modification and exercises. In some cases the symptoms do not resolve with medical treatment and a surgical correction is necessary.

The Procedure

At Regional Orthopedics this condition is treated surgically through a small 2 inch incision over the medial side of the elbow where it is hidden from view. The nerve is decompressed by releasing the connective tissue sheath which creates a boundary for the tunnel therebye relieving physical pressure. In cases where the nerve is unstable it can be stabilized by transposition to an anterior position in the elbow.