Cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression of which nerve?

• A. Median nerve
• B. Ulnar nerve
• C. Radial nerve
• D. Musculocutaneous nerve

Answer: (B)

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow. The tunnel is formed by the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris and the overlying Osborne ligament, with the nerve running posterior to the medial epicondyle. When the nerve is compressed here, sensory symptoms appear in the little finger and ring finger, and there is weakness of the intrinsic hand muscles supplied by the ulnar nerve, especially the interossei and adductor pollicis, which can affect finger movements and grip. This location of compression differentiates it from nerve compressions at other sites, such as the median nerve at the carpal tunnel or the radial or musculocutaneous nerves in other regions.