Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Case Study

Influencing the Outcome for Effective Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compression neuropathy of the upper extremity after carpal tunnel syndrome (Trehan et al, 2012). It represents a source of considerable discomfort and disability for the patient and in extreme cases may progress to loss of function of the hand (Cutts, S., 2007). Some specialists refer to this condition as ulnar nerve compression as it takes place within the cubital tunnel and most commonly occurs at the elbow (Trehan et al, 2012). Pressure is put on the ulnar nerve each time the elbow is bent which reduces the supply of blood to the nerves and causing damage over time (Trehan et al, 2012). This condition is debilitating …show more content…
Proper usage of the elbow and arms is necessary to decrease your risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome (Nakamichi et al., 2009). Studies were conducted to find out if treating patients by educating them on the proper usage of their elbows would reduce the risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome (Nakamichi et al., 2009). The study observed and treated patients for a period of three months to identify the effects and factors affecting outcome. The patient intervention treatment was education alone on the proper usage of the elbow and arms to decrease the risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome. Patient education consisted of learning activity modification to unload the ulnar nerve from mechanical stress (Nakamichi et al., 2009). Patients education intervention studies emphasized the value of wearing an elbow extension splint at night if needed or limiting elbow flexion by wrapping a pillow around the anterior elbow, adjusting posture at work to reduce elbow flexion, using a hands-free headset with cell phone use, or padding the posterior surface of the elbow (Trehan et al., 2012). The studies concluded that patient education had the most impact on those who had mild degeneration or no degeneration at all. It was found that patients with mild degeneration responded better to this treatment with a lower rate of recurrence than those with more severe degeneration (Nakamichi et al., 2009). Education and early interventions could decrease the risks of getting cubital tunnel syndrome and help decrease the progression of this condition. If you suffer, the early symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome seek medical intervention and treatment right away to avoid the severity of this