The cubital tunnel is a space of the dorsal medial elbow which allows passage of the ulnar nerve around the elbow. Persistent compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel is known as cubital tunnel syndrome.

Structure

The cubital tunnel is bordered medially by the medial epicondyle of the humerus, laterally by the olecranon process of the ulna and the tendinous arch joining the humeral and ulnar heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris. The roof of the cubital tunnel is elastic and formed by a myofascial trilaminar retinaculum (also known as the epicondyloolecranon ligament or Osborne band). In 14% of individuals, the roof of this tunnel is covered by the epitrochleoanconeus muscle, an accessory muscle.

Clinical significance

Chronic compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel is known as cubital tunnel syndrome. There are several sites of possible compression, traction or friction of the ulnar nerve as it courses behind the elbow. It may also be caused by repetitive strain from the use of a cell phone for example.