The Anatomy, Presentation and Management Options of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve compression syndrome seen in the upper limb. Paresthesia and weakness are the two most common presentations in the hand. If left untreated, compression can lead to irreversible nerve damage, resulting in a loss of function of the forearm and hand. Therefore, recognizing the various clinical presentations of cubital tunnel syndrome can lead to early detection and prevention of nerve damage. Conservative management is usually tried first and involves supporting the elbow using a splint. If this fails and symptoms do not improve, surgical management is indicated. There are 3 main surgical techniques used to relieve compression of the nerve. These are simple decompression, anterior transposition and medial epicondylectomy. Studies comparing the techniques have demonstrated particular advantages to using one or another. However, the overall technique of choice is based on both the clinical scenario and the surgeon’s digression. Following primary cubital tunnel surgery, recurrent symptoms can often occur due to a variety of pathological and non-pathological causes and revision surgery is usually warranted. This article provides a complete review of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Thoracalgia in a Patient with Determined Coronary Heart Disease. Is there Always a Relapse of Angina Pectoris?

This article presents a clinical case of a 62-year-old man with a long history of coronary heart disease and smoking, whose main complaint upon admission to the hospital was voice hoarseness and atypical pain syndrome in the chest. During a preliminary medical examination, attention was paid to the clinical picture, atypical for a coronary heart disease – voice hoarseness was identified as a manifestation of the recurrent nerve compression, or cardio-vocal syndrome. Given the lack of connection between the chest pain and physical exertion, a high index of a smoking person as well as signs of the recurrent nerve compression syndrome, a multi-spiral computer tomography with contrasting of the chest organs was performed (in line with official recommendations of the Russian Associations of Oncologists and Otolaryngologists). The results revealed a proliferative lesion of the mediastinum and multiple focal lesions of both lungs. A subsequent thoracoscopy and biopsy confirmed the mediastinal form of a lung cancer. Promptly initiated poly-chemotherapy allowed stabilizing the patient’s condition and significantly improving his prospects. In this context, the article discusses the complexity of a timely diagnosis of a primary lung cancer and emphasizes the need to focus on specific and unique features of the disease course as well as on a broader clinical picture. Tactics of a multidisciplinary approach allows making a diagnosis in a timely manner, significantly improving the effectiveness of therapy and patient’s survival prognosis.

Compressive Ulnar Neuropathy Caused by Olecranon Bursitis and Concomitant Epidermal Cyst: A Case Report

Epidermal cyst is a dermal or subcutaneous epithelial cyst that contains keratin and is lined by true epidermis. Although extremely rare, it can cause pathology including nerve compression syndrome. We report a rare case of ulnar nerve compression in the elbow that was caused by olecranon bursitis and concomitant epidermal cyst in a 67-year-old man. The ulnar nerve was immediately adjacent to the olecranon bursa and was significantly compressed. There was no connection between the tumor and the ulnar nerve. Pain, numbness, and weakness in his ring and little fingers disappeared after resection of the cyst and bursa.