A. Cubital tunnel syndrome – Explanation

Elbow pain
The table below details some of the characteristic features of conditions causing elbow pain:

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)	Features pain and tenderness localised to the lateral epicondyle pain worse on resisted wrist extension with the elbow extended or supination of the forearm with the elbow extended episodes typically last between 6 months and 2 years. Patients tend to have acute pain for 6-12 weeks
Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)	Features pain and tenderness localised to the medial epicondyle pain is aggravated by wrist flexion and pronation symptoms may be accompanied by numbness / tingling in the 4th and 5th finger due to ulnar nerve involvement
Radial tunnel syndrome	Most commonly due to compression of the posterior interosseous branch of the radial nerve. It is thought to be a result of overuse. Features symptoms are similar to lateral epicondylitis making it difficult to diagnose however, the pain tends to be around 4-5 cm distal to the lateral epicondyle symptoms may be worsened by extending the elbow and pronating the forearm
Cubital tunnel syndrome	Due to the compression of the ulnar nerve. Features initially intermittent tingling in the 4th and 5th finger may be worse when the elbow is resting on a firm surface or flexed for extended periods later numbness in the 4th and 5th finger with associated weakness
Olecranon bursitis	Swelling over the posterior aspect of the elbow. There may be associated pain, warmth and erythema. It typically affects middle-aged male patients.

Explanation