Subacute High-Grade Ulnar Neuropathy Without Trauma: A Case of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Authors

Suleman Janjua
Wardha Shabbir, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Andrew Lew
Nicholas Moore, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Zaara Iqbal, Henry Ford Health
Tariq M. Awan, Henry Ford HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Janjua S, Shabbir W, Lew A, Moore N, Iqbal Z, and Awan TM. Subacute High-Grade Ulnar Neuropathy Without Trauma: A Case of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Cureus 2026;18(1):e101028.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Publication Title

Cureus

Keywords

atraumatic; cubital tunnel; cubital tunnel syndrome; subacute; ulnar claw hand; ulnar nerve compression; ulnar nerve entrapment

Abstract

Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) typically presents gradually, and an acute overnight onset of severe ulnar neuropathy is rare. A 46-year-old female recreational pickleball player awoke with a right-hand claw deformity and sensory loss without preceding symptoms or trauma. Examination showed intrinsic weakness and decreased ulnar sensation; electrodiagnostic studies revealed subacute on chronic axonal and demyelinating changes at the elbow consistent with moderate CuTS. She underwent cubital tunnel release one week after onset, with rapid sensory improvement but delayed motor recovery. This case highlights an atypical acute presentation of CuTS and underscores the importance of prompt evaluation and timely intervention to mitigate persistent deficits.

PubMed ID

41658666

Volume

18

Issue

1

First Page

101028

Last Page

101028