Cubital and Carpal Tunnel Release

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common condition in which the ulnar nerve is compressed behind a bone located at the elbow (medial epicondyle). Symptoms include numbness, pain and weakness in the small finger and half of the ring finger, as well as the forearm (Fig. 1). Download a patient education flyer from the American Society of Surgery for the Hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common nerve condition; however it involves the median nerve being compressed at the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, pain and weakness in the thumb, index, long and half of the ring finger. Download a patient education flyer from the American Society of Surgery for the Hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dr. Chim also performs endoscopic carpal tunnel release, a minimally invasive procedure that relieves the pressure on the median nerve. Using an endoscope, he creates a one-centimeter incision at the wrist (Fig. 4) to release the pressure. This less invasive approach allows patients to recover more quickly with less pain and swelling than traditional open surgery, which involves a much larger incision (Fig. 5). Read about a recent study showing that most patients prefer the endoscopic method.

Dr. Harvey Chim performs endoscopic cubital tunnel release, a minimally invasive procedure that relieves the pressure on the ulnar nerve. Using an endoscope, a small two-centimeter incision (Fig. 2) is created to release the pressure, only cutting the compressing structures without damaging other soft tissue. This gentle approach results in faster recovery for patients, as well as less pain and swelling than traditional open surgery, which involves an eight to 10-centimeter incision (Fig. 3).

Read about Dr. Chim’s published research showing that endoscopic surgery is increasingly performed compared to open surgery for cubital tunnel release and carpal tunnel release. Or call to make an appointment for a cubital or carpal tunnel consultation at 352.265.8402.