Discussion on anatomy and etiology of cubital tunnel syndrome

[Objective]To discuss the anatomy and etiology of cubital tunnel syndrome.[Method]The clinical data and surgical findings of sixty five cubital tunnel syndrome cases were analyzed,and the per-operative electromyogram results of twenty five cases were studied.[Result]Hypertrophy of arcuate ligament resulted in compression and abrasion of ulnar nerve in sixty patients;we found that the ulnar nerve conduct velocity decreased(the average speed was 27.97 m/s),motional amplitude also decreased(the average voltage was 1.95 mv),and latent period prolonged(the average time was 5.41 ms)after pre-operative electromyogram.[Conclusion]The major etiology of cubital tunnel syndrome is chronic injury with sustained compression of ulnar nerve around elbow joint.Careful physical examination of ulnar nerve function and pre-operative electromyogram will help us to diagnose the cubital tunnel syndrome.Cubital tunnel syndrome should be differentiated from tardy ulnar nerve palsy of other sites.