Objective: The authors present a case study involving a 21-year-old male collegiate wrestler diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome.
Background: Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition brought on by an increase in the pressure exerted upon the ulnar nerve at the elbow within the cubital tunnel. The wrestler was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome after 6 weeks of increasing disability and dysfunction.
Differential diagnosis: Ulnar nerve contusion, ulnar nerve neuritis, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, C8 nerve root entrapment, double-crush syndrome, tumor.
Treatment: The subject was treated conservatively for 3 months without resolution of the symptoms. Surgical treatment then involved a subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition performed to decompress the cubital tunnel. Following surgery, the athlete participated in an aggressive rehabilitation program to restore function and strength to the elbow and adjacent joints. He was cleared for full unrestricted activity 15 days following surgery and returned to varsity athletic competition in 1 month.
Uniqueness: Our literature review found no reported cases of cubital tunnel syndrome in wrestlers. Cubital tunnel syndrome is usually seen in throwing athletes and results from either acute trauma or repetitive activities.
Conclusion: The athletic trainer should consider cubital tunnel syndrome as a possible pathology for nonthrowing athletes when presented with associated signs and symptoms.