Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in the Athlete

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the most common site of ulnar nerve compression and affects the general population and athletes, alike. When ulnar neuropathy is encountered, an understanding of the pathology, a deliberate clinical approach to the patient, and the usage of diagnostic studies aid in synthesizing a successful treatment plan. Nonoperative management is recommended for patients with mild, transient symptoms; operative intervention is performed on those that fail nonoperative modalities or present with moderate to severe pathology. When examining the overhead athlete, it is equally important to evaluate the competency of the medial ulnar collateral ligament in the setting of ulnar neuropathy. This article will discuss cubital tunnel syndrome as it pertains to both the general population and to the athletic population as well as describe our preferred operative techniques and recommended postoperative protocols.