Peripheral Nerve Entrapments of Upper Extremity among the Crutch or Cane Users

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, location, and risk factors for the peripheral nerve entrapments of upper extremity among the crutch or cane users. METHOD: We performed the clinical and electrodiagnostic assessments of both upper extremities in 43 crutch or cane users and 49 able-bodied controls. RESULTS: The prevalence for the nerve entrapment of upper extremity among the crutch or cane users was 27.9% by the clinical criteria and 86.0% by the electrodiagnostic criteria. Electrodiagnostically, the median nerve entrapment was 76.7%, and the ulnar nerve entrapment was 72.1% among the crutch or cane users. The carpal tunnel was the most common site for the entrapment. Body weight, duration of disability, and duration of crutch or cane use were found to be significantly correlated with the emtrapments of median nerve, whereas duration of crutch or cane use alone was significantly correlated with the entrapments of ulnar nerve. CONCLUSION: The peripheral nerve entrapments of upper extremity is associated with the chronic crutch or cane use and the preventive strategies need to be developed for the patients with risks.