Ulnar Nerve Compression (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

 

Specialist Upper Limb Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

 

Ulnar nerve compression is a common cause of numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand, particularly affecting the little finger and ring finger. Symptoms often worsen when the elbow is bent and can interfere with sleep, work and daily activities.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder and upper limb surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the assessment and treatment of ulnar nerve compression and related nerve conditions.

 

 

What is ulnar nerve compression?

 

The ulnar nerve runs from the neck, down the arm, and around the inside of the elbow through a narrow channel called the cubital tunnel.

 

Ulnar nerve compression (also known as cubital tunnel syndrome) occurs when this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, most commonly at the elbow.

 

This may be caused by:

 

• Prolonged or repetitive bending of the elbow

• Leaning on the elbow for long periods

• Previous elbow injury or arthritis

• Anatomical narrowing of the cubital tunnel

 

 

Common symptoms

 

Symptoms of ulnar nerve compression may include:

 

• Numbness or tingling in the little finger and ring finger

• Pins and needles in the hand, often worse at night

• Weakness in the hand or grip

• Clumsiness or difficulty with fine finger movements

• In more advanced cases, muscle wasting in the hand

 

Symptoms may start intermittently and gradually become more persistent.

 

 

How is ulnar nerve compression diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is based on:

 

• A detailed history of symptoms

• Clinical examination of the elbow, arm and hand

• Nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function

• Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI in selected cases

 

Accurate diagnosis is important to determine the severity of nerve compression and guide treatment.

 

 

Is surgery always needed?

 

No. Many patients improve without surgery, particularly in the early stages.

 

Non-surgical treatment may include:

 

• Avoiding prolonged elbow bending or pressure

• Night splinting to keep the elbow in a comfortable position

• Activity modification at work or during sport

• Physiotherapy in selected cases

 

Early treatment can often prevent progression of symptoms.

 

 

When is surgery considered?

 

Surgery may be recommended when:

 

• Symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment

• There is progressive numbness or weakness

• Nerve conduction studies show significant compression

• There is muscle wasting or loss of hand function

 

Surgical treatment aims to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve and prevent further nerve damage. The specific procedure will depend on the individual anatomy and severity of compression.

 

 

Why see a specialist upper limb surgeon?

 

Nerve compression conditions require careful assessment and timely treatment.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training in shoulder and upper limb surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

 

His specialist focus allows:

 

• Accurate diagnosis of nerve conditions

• Appropriate selection of patients for surgery

• Avoidance of unnecessary procedures

• Surgical intervention at the right time to protect nerve function

 

This specialist approach helps optimise outcomes and long-term hand function.

 

 

Local specialist care in Rochdale

 

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, providing specialist upper limb care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

 

Consultations and procedures take place at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to nerve testing, imaging and comprehensive aftercare.

 

 

Arrange a consultation

 

If you are experiencing persistent numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand or fingers, a specialist assessment can help determine whether ulnar nerve compression is the cause and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.