Effectiveness of Nerve Glide Exercises on Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The objective of this study is to determine if nerve glide exercises in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome can improve pain, paraesthesias and reduce the need for future surgery. Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common form of peripheral neuropathy caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for those with severe symptoms, but many cases can be treated with non-operative measures. This study will look at the efficacy of nerve glide exercises in the management of cubital tunnel syndrome. 70 subjects with cubital tunnel syndrome will be enrolled and randomized into groups receiving either standard conservative measures or standard measures in addition to nerve glide exercises. Outcomes will be measured 6 months after initiation of treatment with questionnaires on clinical symptoms and function to see if there is a difference between the two groups.

Taught by occupational therapist. These exercises involve motions of the wrist, arm and neck. Subjects will be instructed to perform exercises regularly following the occupational therapists' protocol

Inclusion Criteria: Patients diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome on physical exam Exclusion Criteria: Patients with diagnosed or self-reported cognitive dysfunction Patients who are unable to understand or follow commands Any patient that the investigators feel unsafe or cannot comply with all study related procedures Patients who had previous ulnar nerve release at the elbow Patients with documented cervical spine pathology Patients with clinical signs of other nerve pathology Patients with palpable subluxation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow