Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused By Uric Acid Tophi: An Unusual Case

We present a rare case of ulnar nerve compression by deposits of uric acid crystals at the cubital tunnel. Diagnosis of ulnar neuritis was largely based on the symptoms, patterns of paresthesia, and also specific patterns of muscle weakness. Nerve compression by tophi was documented during surgery. The tophi were completely resected and the nerve fully decompressed. Surgical treatment was followed by prompt recovery from ulnar neuropathy and also clinical symptoms. At twenty two months follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence. In the clinical setting of gout, tophi might be recognized as another cause of cubital tunnel syndrome. Given the high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and careful excision is associated with a satisfactory outcome