Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Ulnar Neuropathy Caused by Post-Traumatic Free Bone: A Case Report

Abstract

The formation of free bone ( loose body ) after elbow trauma is a potential complication of elbow injury, which is mostly caused by intra-articular fracture, cartilage injury or dislocation. The formation of free bone leading to ulnar neuropathy caused by cubital tunnel syndrome is extremely rare. This paper reports a 51-year-old man who developed ulnar nerve compression due to free bone formation after elbow trauma, which eventually led to elbow syndrome. The patient was diagnosed as cubital tunnel syndrome by imaging and signs because of pain in the right elbow with limited movement for half a year, aggravation with ulnar numbness in the right hand for one month. The free bone block was taken out by surgery and the right ulnar nerve was released. The symptoms of the patient were significantly relieved after surgery. Based on this case and literature review, this paper discusses the mechanism of cubital tunnel syndrome caused by ulnar neuropathy caused by free bone after trauma and the importance of timely surgical intervention.