Symptomatic epineural ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel: a case report and brief review of the literature

An unusual case of pain and weakness in the hand and forearm due to a ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is presented. The patient was managed initially as a case of cervical disc disease and cervical spondylosis and later as a case of carpal tunnel syndrome at an another institution. Cervical radiography and cervical magnetic resonance imaging scans were inconclusive. Neurosurgical referral revealed tenderness at the right cubital tunnel, weakness of the right hand and forearm muscles, and sensory deficit along the medial border of the forearm and the hand. The diagnosis of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow was made. Nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve at the elbow confirmed the diagnosis. A ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve was excised microsurgically with a complete postoperative sensory motor recovery.