Please confirm topic selection

Are you sure you want to trigger topic in your Anconeus AI algorithm?

Please confirm action

You are done for today with this topic.

Would you like to start learning session with this topic items scheduled for future?

Updated: Dec 27 2021

Ulnar Neuropathies

  • Introduction
    • The most common ulnar neuropathies are
      • cubital tunnel syndrome
        • caused by ulnar nerve compression at the elbow
      • ulnar tunnel syndrome
        • caused by ulnar nerve compression at the wrist in Guyon's canal
  • Anatomy
    • The ulnar nerve is a branch of the medial cord of the brachial plexus
      • ulnar sensory function
        • sensory branches
          • dorsal cutaneous branch
          • palmar cutaneous branch
          • superficial terminal branches
      • ulnar nerve innervates
        • forearm
          • flexor carpi ulnaris
          • flexor digitorum profundus III and IV
        • thenar
          • adductor pollicis
          • deep head of flexor pollicis brevis (FPB)
        • fingers
          • dorsal and palmar interossei
          • 3rd and 4th lumbrical (1st and 2nd by median nerve)
        • digiti minimi
          • abductor digiti minimi
          • opponens digiti minimi
          • flexor digiti minimi
    • Ulnar nerve at elbow
      • see medial approach to elbow
      • pierces intramuscular septum at Arcade of Struthers
      • enters cubital tunnel which is formed by
        • roof formed by Osborne's ligament (travels from the medial epicondyle to the olecranon)
        • floor formed by posterior and transverse bands of MCL
    • Ulnar nerve at wrist
      • nerve enters Guyon's canal which is created by
        • floor formed by tranverse carpal ligament, pisohamate ligament, pisometacarpal ligament, and opponens digiti minimi
        • roof formed by volar carpal ligament
        • ulnar wall formed by Pisiform and abductor digiti mini
        • radial wall formed by Hook of hamate
  • Presentation
    • Symptoms
      • same for both cubital and ulnar tunnel syndrome
      • paresthesias over small finger and ulnar half of 4th finger and ulnar dorsum of the hand
        • exacerbating activities include cell phone use (excessive flexion)
      • night symptoms
        • caused by sleeping with arm in flexion
      • trauma
        • traction of the upper extremity, fracture of elbow
        • symptoms can be delayed in tardy ulnar palsy
    • Physical exam
      • deformity
        • claw hand deformity
      • sensory
        • decreased sensation in ulnar 1 1/2 digits
      • motor
        • weakened grasp
        • weak pinch
      • provocative tests for cubital tunnel syndrome
        • Tinnel sign positive over cubital tunnel
  • imaging
    • Radiographs
      • usually normal
    • EMG / NCV
      • helpful to establish the diagnosis
  • Treatment
    • Nonoperative
      • NSAIDS, activity modification, and night time bracing
    • Operative
      • ulnar nerve decompression
Card
1 of 0
Question
1 of 3
Private Note