Dr. Weil is the only physician in the Swedish Hospital Medical System performing both endoscopic carpal and endoscopic cubital tunnel release surgery for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. Endoscopic nerve decompression boasts excellent outcomes and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by compression of the ulnar nerve in an area of the elbow called the cubital tunnel. The ulnar nerve travels down the back of the elbow behind the bony bump called the medial epicondyle, and through a passageway called the cubital tunnel. The cubital tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inside of the elbow formed by bone, muscle, and ligaments with the ulnar nerve passing through its center. The roof of the cubital tunnel is covered with a soft tissue called fascia. When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve can stretch and catch on the bony bump. When the ulnar nerve is compressed or entrapped, the nerve can tear and become inflamed leading to various symptoms, and is called cubital tunnel syndrome.
The goal of cubital tunnel release surgery is to reduce the pressure on the ulnar nerve by providing more space for the nerve to move freely and to increase blood flow to promote healing of the ulnar nerve.