Release Procedure”

Miami – What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. There is a bump (made of bone) on the inner portion of the elbow (the medial epicondyle) under which the ulnar nerve passes. This site is commonly called the “funny bone”. It is here that the ulnar nerve lies directly next to the bone and is susceptible to pressure. When the pressure on the nerve  becomes great  enough to disturb the way the nerve works, then numbness, tingling, and pain  may be felt in the elbow, forearm, hand,  and/or fingers.

Symptoms Cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms usually include pain, numbness, and/or tingling. The numbness or tingling most often occurs in the ring and little fingers. The symptoms are usually felt when there is pressure on the nerve, such as sitting with the elbow on an armrest, or with repetitive elbow bending and straightening. Often symptoms will be felt when the elbow is held in a bent position for a period of time, such as when holding the phone, or while sleeping. Some patients may notice weakness while pinching, occasional clumsiness, and/or a tendency to drop things. In severe cases, sensation may be lost and the muscles in the hand may lose bulk and strength.

Treatment without Surgery Symptoms may sometimes be relieved without surgery, particularly if the EMG/NCS testing shows that the pressure on the nerve is minimal. Changing the patterns of elbow use may significantly reduce the pressure on the nerve. Avoiding putting your elbow on hard surfaces may help, or wearing an elbow pad over the ulnar nerve and “funny bone” may help. Keeping the elbow straight at night with a splint also may help. A session with a therapist to learn ways to avoid pressure on the nerve may be needed.

Comparative Procedures

New Minimally Invasive Procedure Available

Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel Release. The innovative, newer endoscopic method performed by the American Hand Institute surgeons does not require a large incision or lengthy recovery time. This procedure, which the surgeons at the American Hand Institute perform, is less invasive, less painful and typically allows for faster recovery.

“It is very  important that patients know  about  this  new alternative to treat  the Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Through a tiny incision a faster procedure can be done  with less stress for the patient and less recovery time than the traditional surgery for this health condition. My patients have experienced an immediate disappearance of CTS symptoms after  this procedure.”- Affirms Dr Alejandro Badia,  world-renowned upper  limb surgeon, who is now in India and has been in Jordan, Aman  and Dubai, teaching colleagues this  and other  innovative new minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Open Cubital Tunnel Release. Many surgeons will recommend shifting the nerve to the front of the elbow, which relieves pressure and tension on the nerve. The nerve may be placed under a layer of fat, under the muscle, or within the muscle. Some surgeons may recommend trimming the bony bump (medial epicondyle). Following surgery, the recovery will depend on the type of surgery that was performed. Restrictions on lifting and/or elbow movement may be recommended.  Therapy may be necessary.

According to the American Hand Institute only a few surgeons in the country offer this particular procedure. Dr. Alejandro Badia is the only one to offer it in South Florida.

Alejandro Badia, MD, FACS is a hand and upper extremity surgeon. He studied physiology at Cornell University and obtained his medical degree at NYU, where he also trained in orthopedics. A hand fellowship at Alleghany General Hospital in Pittsburgh was followed by an AO trauma fellowship in Freiburg, Germany. He runs an active international hand fellowship, serves on the editorial board of two hand journals, and organizes a yearly Miami meeting for surgeons and therapists that are devoted to upper limb arthroscopy and arthroplasty (www.miamihandcourse.com). This international meeting is held at the world-renowned Miami Anatomical Research Center (M.A.R.C.), the world’s largest surgical cadaveric training lab that Dr. Badia co-founded in 2005.

In 2008, he completed the Badia Hand to Shoulder Center, a fully integrated clinical facility for the upper limb encompassing digital radiography, MRI extremity imaging, Integra rehabilitation facility and the Surgery Center at Doral. More recently, Dr. Badia inaugurated OrthoNOW, the first immediate orthopedic care center in South Florida which is staffed by surgeons from the International Orthopedic Group (IOG), a group of surgeons from lower extremity, upper limb and spine subspecialties who also treat elective orthopedic problems in international patients. He is member of the ASSH, AAHS, AAOS as well as honorary member of many foreign hand surgery societies and President of ISSPORTH.

Dr. Badia can be reached via www.drbadia.com, a patient education portal and website for hand surgeon academic exchange. Or by email:

[email protected]

Editor’s Note: Dr. Badia is the ONE & ONLY surgeon to perform this surgery in South Florida.

This minimally invasive procedure to cure CTS only requires a 1- 2 inch incision and minimal physical therapy as opposed to the open procedure which requires a large 7-9 inch incision with a longer recoup & therapy time. CTS can be easily acquired by simply sleeping with your arm in the wrong position, or performing an activity with repetitive overhead motions (such as serving the ball in tennis) or unprotected contact sports.

Carolina Friser-Frederiksen (Media & PR Assistant Katalyst – The Medical Marketing Group P: 305.933.4349) told iNews Cayman she will happily coordinate a telephone or Skype interview with Dr. Badia, should anyone find it useful!