A patient with cubital tunnel syndrome is being fitted for a night brace. Which of the following braces would be the MOST appropriate to help minimize the patient’s symptoms?

1. Elbow brace, positioned in 40 degrees of flexion
2. Elbow brace, positioned in 100 degrees of flexion
3. Wrist brace, positioned in 20 degrees of extension
4. Wrist brace, positioned in neutral

Transcript

Welcome back to the Scorebuilders’ Question and Answer Podcast! This podcast provides members of the Scorebuilders’ team with the opportunity to explore challenging multiple-choice examination questions with students actively preparing for the licensing examination. My name is Scott Giles and I will be your host for today’s journey.

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A patient with cubital tunnel syndrome is being fitted for a night brace. Which of the following braces would be the MOST appropriate to help minimize the patient’s symptoms?

1. Elbow brace, positioned in 40 degrees of flexion
2. Elbow brace, positioned in 100 degrees of flexion
3. Wrist brace, positioned in 20 degrees of extension
4. Wrist brace, positioned in neutral

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow. It commonly leads to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring and little fingers. Treatment often involves activity modification, nighttime elbow bracing, and in severe cases, surgical decompression.

Let’s explore each of the options:

Option 1 – Elbow brace, positioned in 40 degrees of flexion

Cubital tunnel syndrome is aggravated by positions of elbow flexion, which stretch and compress the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel. A brace that holds the elbow in a slightly flexed position (e.g., 40 degrees) helps to reduce tension and compression on the ulnar nerve. This is the most appropriate brace for nighttime use, as it prevents excessive flexion during sleep.

Option 2 - Elbow brace, positioned in 100 degrees of flexion

An elbow brace that is positioned in 100 degrees of flexion would actually increase compression on the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel and thereby worsen the patient’s symptoms.

Option 3 – Wrist brace, positioned in 20 degrees of extension

While wrist bracing is useful for carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s not effective for cubital tunnel syndrome, which involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

Option 4 – Wrist brace, positioned in neutral

Similar to Option 3, this brace would only address wrist positioning, which would not help to relieve symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Let’s explore the all student data:
65% of students selected Option 1 - Elbow brace, positioned in 40 degrees of flexion - the correct response
20% of students selected Option 2 - Elbow brace, positioned in 100 degrees of flexion
5% of students selected Option 3 - Wrist brace, positioned in 20 degrees of extension
10% of students selected Option 4 - Wrist brace, positioned in neutral

System Classification
This question is a Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems question which represents approximately 24% of all exam items.

Content Outline Classification
This question is an Interventions question which represents approximately 29% of all exam items.

Level Classification
This question is a Level 2 question since the question requires students to integrate numerous pieces of information or to apply knowledge in a given clinical scenario. Remediation of Level 2 questions occurs by increasing flexibility with academic content and by carefully analyzing decision making processes when answering applied examination questions.

Academic Focus Area
Looking to review related academic content? Check out page 60 in PTEXAM: The Complete Study Guide.

Thanks for joining us on the Scorebuilders Q and A podcast! See you next week!