Recent advancements of ulnar nerve complications associated with elbow arthrolysis / 国际外科学杂志

Elbow arthrolysis is the most commonly used treatment for elbow stiffness. Ulnar nerve complications are one of the most important evaluation indicators of postoperative health status. However, there is no consensus on the management of ulnar nerve and the control of surgical indications. Combining relevant literature and clinical experience, this review discussed the necessity of ulnar nerve release and the choice of ulnar nerve operations during elbow arthrolysis with or without preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. It is considered that more attention should be paid to the management of ulnar nerve complications and further research should be performed.

Lesión del nervio cubital secundario a terapia de ondas de choque extracorpóreas radiales identificada con ultrasonografía de alta resolución: Reporte de caso / Ulnar Nerve Injury After Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Identified With High­Resolution Ultrasonography: Case Report

Mujer de 49 años fue evaluada por desarrollar dolor súbito a nivel de los epicóndilos mediales conjuntamente con entumecimiento y sensación de hormigueo en el cuarto y quinto dedos después de recibir terapia de ondas de choque extracorpóreas radiales (rESWT) como tratamiento para epicondilitis medial bilateral. El examen neurológico reveló signo de Tinel positivo, parestesia y una prueba de discriminación de dos puntos alterada sobre la región cubital del cuarto y quinto dedos. La ultrasonografía de alta resolución demostró hallazgos de lesión nerviosa periférica tales como hipoecogenicidad y aumento del diámetro de ambos nervios cubitales. La paciente mejoró únicamente tras recibir tratamiento conservador, demostrando así una aparente neuropatía compresiva bilateral aguda como resultado de la terapia. ESWT se utiliza como una alternativa prometedora para el tratamiento de diversos trastornos musculoesqueléticos; sin embargo, existe evidencia limitada con respecto a sus efectos secundarios, en particular la mononeuropatía periférica. Según el conocimiento de los autores, este es el primer reporte que demuestra un daño nervioso estructural después de rESWT con el uso de ultrasonografía de alta resolución.

A 49-year old woman was evaluated for developing bilateral acute medial elbow pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the fourth and fifth fingers after receiving radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) for bilateral medial epicondylitis. Neurologic examination revealed the presence of Tinel's sign, paresthesia and impaired two-point discrimination testing over the ulnar side of the fourth and fifth fingers bilaterally. High-resolution ultrasonography demonstrated findings of nerve injury, such as hypoechogenicity and increased diameter of both ulnar nerves. After conservative treatment, the patient improved her condition demonstrating an apparently acute compressive nerve injury as a result of the therapy. ESWT is used as a promising alternative for the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders; however, there is limited evidence regarding its side effects, in particular peripheral mononeuropathy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating structural damage of a nerve after rESWT with the use of high-resolution ultrasonography.

Cubitus Valgus with Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy - Is Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve Necessary?: A Case Report

@#Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is a known complication of cubitus valgus. The options for treating the ulnar neuropathy include anterior nerve transposition or neurolysis. We report on an 11-year-old boy who had a tardy ulnar nerve palsy due to cubitus valgus resulting from a non-union of a lateral condyle fracture of the humerus. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve was not done after the closing wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus. The close wedge osteotomy relieved the tension on the nerve and not transposing the ulnar nerve anteriorly prevented an iatrogenic nerve injury. The patient had no restriction with activities of daily living at the six years follow-up although neurological recovery was incomplete.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in cubital tunnel syndrome: A pilot study

@# To investigate the clinical therapeutic effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods: Seven patients (10 elbows) with moderate cubital tunnel syndrome participated in this study. Three sessions of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (2,000 shots, 4 Bar, 5 Hz) (once a week) were administered to the ulnar nerve at the proximal cubital tunnel region. The primary and secondary outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), respectively, at the 4th, 8th, and 12th week, following the 3rd session of shock wave therapy. Results: The VAS and Quick DASH scores demonstrated improvements at all follow-up time points, in all treated elbows. The mean VAS and Quick DASH score improved from 4.7±0.3(mean±SE) to2.2±0.2 and 16.6±2.1to 6.8±1.6 respectively during 12 weeks follow up (all p <0.01). Conclusion: This pilot study revealed the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with moderate cubital tunnel syndrome.

Diagnostic Usefulness of Neuromuscular Ultrasound in Anatomical Localization of Peripheral Nerve Injury: Detailed Lesion Localization Using Neuromuscular Ultrasound in a Patient with Traumatic Ulnar Nerve Injury at the Hand

In the evaluation of peripheral nerve injury, nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography mainly focus on anatomical localization and functional evaluation of lesions. Whereas neuromuscular ultrasound has an advantage in structural assessment of lesions. In addition, muscle ultrasound can also be used to demonstrate muscle denervation without causing pain. We report a case of traumatic ulnar nerve injury at hand in which muscle ultrasound contributed to precise localization by provided detailed information about the extent of muscle denervation.

Anconeus Epitrochlearis Muscle as a Cause of Ulnar Nerve Compression at the Elbow

Ulnar nerve entrapment is the second most common compressive neuropathy in the upper limb, after carpal tunnel syndrome (Dellon, 1986). One of the causes that must be considered is the accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, which is present in 4% to 34% of the general population (Husarik et al, 2010; Vanderpool et al, 1968; Nellans et al, 2014). We describe a patient with symptoms of compression of the left ulnar nerve at the elbow and the result of the surgical treatment. The patient presented with hypoesthesia in the fourth and fifth fingers of the left hand, and reduction of strength in the fifth finger abduction. No alterations were found in the thumb adduction. Initially, the treatment was conservative (splint, physiotherapy, analgesics); surgical treatment was indicated due to the continuity of the symptoms. The ulnar nerve was surgically released and transposed, with complete recovery after 6 months of follow-up. Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow by the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle is not common, but it must not be ignored (Chalmers, 1978). Ultrasonography (Jung et al, 2013; Bargalló et al, 2010), elbow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Jeon, 2005), and electromyography (Byun, 2011) can help establish the proper diagnosis.

A compressão do nervo ulnar é a segunda causa mais frequente de neuropatia compressiva no membro superior, após a síndrome do túnel do carpo (Dellon, 1986). Uma das causas que dever ser considerada é a presença do músculo anconeu epitroclear, que está presente em cerca de 4% a 34% da população (Husarik et al, 2010; Vanderpool et al, 1968; Nellans et al, 2014). Descrevemos uma paciente com sintomas de compressão do nervo ulnar esquerdo no cotovelo, e o resultado do tratamento cirúrgico. A paciente apresentava hipoestesia no IV e V dedos da mão esquerda, e diminuição de força na abdução do V dedo; não foram encontradas alterações na adução do polegar. Inicialmente, o tratamento foi conservador (uso de splint, fisioterapia e analgésicos); a cirurgia foi indicada pela persistência dos sintomas. O nervo ulnar foi cirurgicamente liberado e transposto, com melhora total dos sintomas após 6 meses de acompanhamento. A compressão do nervo ulnar no cotovelo não é comum, mas não deve ser ignorada (Chalmers, 1978). Ultrassonografia (Jung et al, 2013; Bargalló et al, 2010), ressonância magnética do cotovelo (Jeon, 2005) e eletromiografia (Byun, 2011) auxiliam no diagnóstico.

Severe Ulnar Nerve Injury After Bee Venom Acupuncture at a Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic: A Case Report

This case report describes a severe nerve injury to the right ulnar nerve, caused by bee venom acupuncture. A 52-year-old right-handed man received bee venom acupuncture on the medial side of his right elbow and forearm, at a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic. Immediately after acupuncture, the patient experienced pain and swelling on the right elbow. There was further development of weakness of the right little finger, and sensory changes on the ulnar dermatome of the right hand. The patient visited our clinic 7 days after acupuncture. Electrodiagnostic studies 2 weeks after the acupuncture showed ulnar nerve damage. The patient underwent steroid pulse and rehabilitation treatments. However, his condition did not improve completely, even 4 months after acupuncture.

Isolated Dorsal Ulnar Cutaneous Nerve Injury Occurring During Activities of Daily Living

The dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve (DUCN) is the sensory branch of ulnar nerve supplying sensation to the dorsal ulnar aspect of the hand. Isolated DUCN injury is known rare. We report 3 cases of isolated DUCN injury caused by stretch injury and mild blunt injury during activities of daily living. Isolated DUCN injury may more frequently occur than we thought. Nerve conduction study and ultrasonography are useful method to localize the lesion and to evaluate the structural etiology.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow Caused by a Mass Lesion / 대한임상신경생리학회지

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) may seem easy to diagnose when the characteristic clinical manifestations are present, and electrodiagnostic studies have high sensitivity, although they are non-localizing in some cases and unable to reveal structural lesions. Ultrasonography is noninvasive and able to find the exact location of the lesion and visualize perineural structures. We present two cases of UNE in which we found hypoechoic mass lesions near medial epicondyle with ultrasonography and discuss its usefulness in diagnosis of UNE.

Subclinical Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow in Diabetic Patients

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the prevalence and characteristics of subclinical ulnar neuropathy at the elbow in diabetic patients. METHODS: One hundred and five patients with diabetes mellitus were recruited for the study of ulnar nerve conduction analysis. Clinical and demographic characteristics were assessed. Electrodiagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow was based on the criteria of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM1 and AANEM2). The inching test of the ulnar motor nerve was additionally performed to localize the lesion. RESULTS: The duration of diabetes, the existence of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) symptoms, the duration of symptoms, and HbA1C showed significantly larger values in the DPN group (p<0.05). Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow was more common in the DPN group. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of cases that met the three diagnostic criteria between the no DPN group and the DPN group. The most common location for ulnar mononeuropathy at the elbow was the retrocondylar groove. CONCLUSION: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is more common in patients with DPN. If the conduction velocities of both the elbow and forearm segments are decreased to less than 50 m/s, it may be useful to apply the AANEM2 criteria and inching test to diagnose ulnar neuropathy.

Ulnar Neuropathy as a Complication of Face-down Positioning after Macular Hole Surgery / 대한임상신경생리학회지

No abstract available.

Symptomatic Neural Loop of the Distal Ulnar Nerve / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We found a unique anatomical variant of the distal ulnar nerve, a neural loop encompassing the flexor carpi ulnaris during Guyon's canal exploration. Compression by the flexor carpi ulnaris during active wrist movement was suspected as the cause of ulnar neuropathy. The symptom was relieved after neurolysis and release of surrounding tissue. With regard to the ulnar side wrist pain, which is suspicious for ulnar compression syndrome at the wrist level, the surgeon should always suspect anomalous nerve branch as source of compressive neuropathic pain.

Descripción anatómica del origen de los músculos flexores y pronadores en el epicóndilo medial del húmero / Description anatomique de l'insertion des muscles fléchisseurs et pronateurs au niveau de l'épicondyle médial de l'humérus / Anatomical description of the origin of flexor and pronator muscles in the medial humeral epicondyle

Introducción: la epicondilitis medial tiene menor incidencia que la epicondilitis lateral. Mucha información de la epicondilitis lateral ha sido extrapolada a la epicondilitis medial. Es una enfermedad que compromete el origen de los músculos pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorums superficialis y flexor carpi ulnaris de la parte medial del codo. Objetivo: hacer una descripción anatómica del origen de los músculos en el epicóndilo medial teniendo en cuenta su relación con el epicóndilo y con el nervio cubital. Métodos: estudio descriptivo realizado en 20 codos disecados de cadáveres frescos. Se identificó el origen del pronator teres, del flexor carpi radialis, del flexor digitorum superficialis y del flexor carpi ulnaris. Se identificó también el tendón conjunto, su relación con el epicóndilo y con el nervio cubital. Resultados: se encontró un área promedio del epicóndilo de 148,7 mm². El área del origen del tendón conjunto fue proporcionalmente menor con un promedio de 94,7 mm². La longitud, el ancho y espesor del tendón conjunto fueron 4,2; 1,7 y 1 mm, respectivamente. El tendón conjunto estaba formado en su mayor parte por el tendón del flexor carpi radialis. Conclusiones: el flexor carpi radialis forma en su mayor parte el componente tendinoso del origen de la musculatura flexo pronador. Esta musculatura tiene una configuración en V por medial y en Y por lateral. El nervio cubital cursa muy cercano al epicondilo y su alteracion puede ser parte de la sintomatología de dolor de codo medial. Siendo el flexor carpi radialis eminentemente tendinoso, podría ser el asiento principal de los cambios patológicos en la epicondilitis medial(AU)

Introduction: medial epicondylitis is fewer incidences of lateral epicondylitis. The information of lateral epicondylitis has been extrapolated to medial epicondylitis. It is a pathology that involves the origin of the muscles of the medial elbow: Pronator teres, Flexor carpiradialis, palmarislongus, Flexor digitorumsuperficialis and Flexor carpiulnaris.The goal was to make an anatomical description of the origin of the muscles on the medial epicondyle, taking into consideration their relationship with the epicondyle and the ulnar nerve. Methods: twenty elbows were dissected, identifying the origin of the Pronator teres, Flexor carpiradialis, Flexor digitorumsuperficialis and Flexor carpiulnaris. Conjoined tendon was identified, its relationship to the epicondyle and the ulnar nerve. Results: we found an average area of 148.7 mm² epicondyle. The area of origin of the tendon was 94.7 mm². The length, width and thickness of the conjoined tendon were 4.2 mm, 1.7 mm and 1 mm respectively. It was found that the conjoint tendon is formed mostly by carpiradialis flexor tendon. Conclusions: the Flexor carpiradialis formed largely tendinous component of the muscle-tendinous origin of the common Flexor and Pronator teres. These muscles had a V configuration by medial and Y by lateral. The ulnar nerve passed very close to the epicondyle and its alteration may be part of the symptoms of medial elbow pain. We believe that being eminently tendinous the Flexor carpiradialis, could be the main seat of pathological changes in medial epicondylitis(AU)

Introduction: le taux d'incidence de l'épicondylite médiale est plus bas que celui de l'épicondylite latérale. Beaucoup d'information sur l'épicondylite latérale a été extrapolée à l'épicondylite médiale. C'est une maladie affectant l'insertion des muscles promator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorums superficialis et flexor carpi ulnaris de la partie médiale du coude. Objectif: la fin de cette étude est de faire une description anatomique de l'insertion des muscles au niveau de l'épicondyle médial, en tenant compte de leur rapport avec l'épicondyle et le nerf cubital. Méthodes: une étude descriptive de 20 coudes disséqués de cadavres frais est réalisée. L'insertion du pronator teres, du flexor carpi radialis, du flexor digitorum superficialis et du flexor carpi ulnaris est déterminée. Le tendon conjonctif et sa relation avec l'épicondyle et le nerf cubital sont également identifiés. Résultats: on a trouvé que l'aire moyen de l'épicondyle est 148,7 mm². L'aire d'origine du tendon conjonctif est proportionnellement plus petit avec une moyenne de 94.7 mm². La longueur, le large et l'épaisseur du tendon conjonctif sont respectivement 4,2 ; 1,7 et 1 mm. Le tendon conjonctif est formé en majorité par le tendon du flexor carpi radialis. Conclusions: Le flexor carpi radialis fait largement partie du composant tendineux de l'insertion des muscles fléchisseurs et pronateurs. Cette musculature est en forme de V du côté médial et en forme de Y du côté latéral. Le nerf cubital s'étend très près de l'épicondyle, et son altération peut se trouver dans la symptomatologie de douleur du coude médial. Étant le flexor carpi radialis notamment tendineux, il pourrait être le foyer principal des changements pathologiques de l'épicondylite médiale(AU)

Real-Time Visualization of Ultrasonography Guided Cubital Tunnel Injection: A Cadaveric Study

OBJECTIVE: To describe an ultrasonography-guided technique for cubital tunnel injection. METHOD: The ulnar nerves from 12 elbows of 6 adult cadavers were scanned, and the cross-sectional areas of the ulnar nerves, cubital tunnel inlets and outlets were measured by using ultrasonography. All elbows were dissected after an ultrasonography-guided dye injection at the inlet of the cubital tunnel. The dissectors evaluated the spread of dye and the coloration of the nerve and remeasured the cross-sectional areas of the cubital tunnel inlets and outlets. RESULTS: After a real-time visualization of an ultrasonography-guided injection, the ulnar nerves were seperated from the medial groove for the ulnar nerve. All the ulnar nerves of the cadavers were successfully colored with the dye, from the inlet to oulet of the cubital tunnel. The post-injection cross-sectional areas were significantly larger than the pre-injection cross-sectional areas. No significant differences were detected in the post-injection cross-sectional areas of the cubital tunnel outlet and the ulnar nerve as compared with the pre-injection areas. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider real-time visualization of ultrasonography for guided injection around the ulnar nerve at the inlet of the cubital tunnel.

Ulnar Neuropathy at the Wrist in a Patient with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Ulnar neuropathy at the wrist is rarely reported as complications of carpal tunnel release. Since it can sometimes be confused with recurrent median neuropathy at the wrist or ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, an electrodiagnostic study is useful for detecting the lesion in detail. We present a case of a 51-year-old woman with a two-week history of right ulnar palm and 5th digit tingling sensation that began 3 months after open carpal tunnel release surgery of the right hand. Electrodiagnostic tests such as segmental nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve at the wrist were useful for localization of the lesion, and ultrasonography helped to confirm the presence of the lesion. After conservative management, patient symptoms were progressively relieved. Combined electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasonography may be helpful for diagnosing and detecting ulnar neuropathies of the wrist following carpal tunnel release surgery.

Electrophysiologic Findings of Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow According to the Level of the Lesion

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether electrophysiologic findings of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) are associated with anatomic location or a pathophysiologic mechanism, electrophysiologic findings of ulnar neuropathy above the elbow (UNAE) and below the elbow (UNBE) were compared. METHOD: Electrophysiologic findings of 56 patients with UNE were analyzed: segmental ulnar motor conduction study with abductor digiti quinti (ADQ) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) recordings, ulnar and dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve (DUCN) sensory action potentials, and needle electromyographic findings. Based on anatomic location, lesions were divided into UNAE and UNBE. Based on pathophysiologic findings, they were classified into three groups (focal demyelination, axonal degeneration, and mixed lesion). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with UNAE, and 28 with UNBE. Of the patients with UNAE, 4 had focal demyelination, 2 showed axonal degeneration, and 22 were of mixed lesions. Of patients with UNBE, 5 had focal demyelination, 6 showed axonal degeneration, and 17 were of mixed lesions. No significant differences in pathophysiologic mechanisms, or in electrophysiologic findings, were observed between UNAE and UNBE. The proportion of positive findings of focal demyelination was higher in FDI recording than in ADQ recording; however, this finding was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Thirty of 31 patients with abnormal DUCN had axonal degeneration with or without focal demyelination, whereas 9 of 25 patients with normal DUCN had focal demyelination only (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electrophysiologic findings did not relate to the anatomic location of UNE, but could relate to the pathophysiologic severity or fascicular involvement of the lesion.

Ulnar Neuropathy as a Complication of Retinal Detachment Surgery

PURPOSE: To report a case of ulnar neuropathy as an extraocular complication following retinal detachment surgery and face-down positioning. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with decreased visual acuity in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment not involving the macula in the left eye. A vitrectomy with scleral encircling and 18% SF6 gas tamponade was performed. The patient was instructed to assume a face-down position. After 5 days, the patient reported having paresthesia and numbness of the left 4th and 5th fingers. Neurologic exams were performed and the results indicated ulnar neuropathy. There was no improvement in the neurologic symptoms during the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons performing retinal surgery should caution their patients of ulnar neuropathy when face-down positioning is required. The patients should be instructed to minimize the time spent with their elbows flexed in a stationary position. Additionally, the pressure loaded on the bent elbow should be minimized.

A randomized clinical trial of oral steroids for ulnar neuropathy in type 1 and type 2 leprosy reactions / Ensaio clínico sobre o tratamento com esteróides via oral da neuropatia ulnar em reação tipo 1 e tipo 2 da hanseníase

BACKGROUND: Steroids regimens in leprosy neuropathies are still controversial in botth types of reactions. METHOD: For this trial, 21 patients with ulnar neuropathy were selected from 163 leprosy patients, 12 with type 1 reaction (T1R) and nine with type 2 (T2R). One experimental group started with prednisone 2 mg/kg/day and the control group with 1 mg/kg/day. A clinical score based on tests for spontaneous pain, nerve palpation, sensory and muscle function was used. Neurophysiological evaluation consisted on the motor nerve conduction of the ulnar nerve in three segments. Student "t" test for statistical analysis was applied on the results: before treatment, first week, first month and sixth month, between each regimen and types of reaction. CONCLUSION: In both reactions during the first month higher doses of steroids produced better results but, earlier treatment with lower dose was as effective. Short periods of steroid, 1 mg/Kg/day at the beginning and,tapering to 0,5 mg/Kg/day or less in one month turned out to be efficient in T2R.

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento da neuropatia da hanseníase com esteróides é ainda controverso nos dois tipos de reações. MÉTODO: Neste ensaio, de 163 pacientes foram selecionados 21 com neuropatia ulnar, 12 com reação tipo 1 e 9 com tipo 2. Um grupo experimental iniciou com 2 mg/kg/dia e o grupo controle com 1 mg/kg/dia. Foi composto um escore clínico pela avaliação da sensação dolorosa espontânea, palpação de nervos e funções sensitiva e motora. Realizou-se a condução nervosa motora do nervo ulnar em três segmentos. Aplicaram-se os estudos estatísticos com o teste t de Student nos resultados: antes do tratamento, primeira semana, primeiro mês e sexto mês. CONCLUSÃO: Em ambas as reações dosagens mais elevadas iniciais produziram melhores resultados, mas a dose menor quando administrada precocemente foi igualmente efetiva. Períodos curtos com doses efetivas, 1 mg/Kg/dia no início e reduzindo-se para 0,5 mg/Kg/dia ou menos em um mês foram eficientes na reação tipo 2.

Dynamic Morphologic Study of the Ulnar Nerve Around the Elbow Using Ultrasonography

Purpose: The morphological study and dynamic stability of the ulnar nerve around the elbow joint was investigated in asymptomatic normal population using ultrasonography. The purpose of this study is to provide fundamental data for ultrasonographic diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy in cubital tunnel syndrome. Materials and Methods: Fifty cases of 25 healthy male volunteers, aged between 20 to 30 years, included in this study. High resolution 7.5 MHz linear probe was used to examine the ulnar nerve in axial and longitudinal views. In a longitudinal view, the course, position and the thickness of nerve were monitored, the diameter of ulnar nerve and dynamic stability at elbow flexion and extension were measured in an axial view at four different points; 1cm proximal to medial epicondyle, behind the medial epicondyle, entrance to Osborne ligament, and 1cm distal to Osborne ligament. Results: The short diameters of ulnar nerve at elbow extension at four anatomic points were 2.66 mm, 2.97 mm, 2.64 mm, and 2.69 mm and the long diameters were 4.61 mm, 4.56 mm, 4.36 mm, and 4.37 mm, which showed no significant change at each point. However, at elbow flexion, the short diameters were changed to 2.72 mm, 2.34 mm, 2.65 mm, and 2.41 mm and the long diameters into 4.49 mm, 5.40 mm, 4.16 mm, and 4.66 mm. At elbow flexion, significant morphologic change was observed in the medial epicondyle area, and the diameter of the ulnar nerve was shortest at the entrance of Osborne ligament both at flexion and extension. In terms of dynamic stability, nine subluxations and seven dislocations were observed. Conclusion: This study shows dynamic instability and a morphological change of long and short diameters of ulnar nerve at flexion and extension in a normal person, which should be considered in the ultrasonographic diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy.

Comparison of the Ultrasonographic Study and the Electrodiagnostic Study on the Ulnar Neuropathy around the Elbow Region

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the electrophysiologic findings and the ultrasonographic findings of the ulnar neuropathy around the elbow. METHOD: We examed 20 elbows with the ulnar neuropathy around the elbow and 22 healthy elbows. We measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) and the diameters of the long, short axis of the ulnar nerve at the swollen portion and the compressed portion by ultrasonography. RESULTS: The CSA, diameters on the longitudinal and transverse view of the swollen portion of the ulnar nerve of the patients group was larger than that of the control group (p0.05). There was significant correlation between the decrement of the nerve conduction velocity across elbow and the increment of the diameter on the swollen portion on the longitudinal and transverse view (r=0.541, 0.466, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: The difference of diameter between swollen and compressed portion of the ulnar nerve on the ultrasonography was correlated with the conduction velocity decrement on the electrophysiologic study.