Vibrotactilometry as a diagnostic tool in ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow

Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg. 1999 Mar;33(1):93-7. doi: 10.1080/02844319950159686.

Abstract

Vibrotactilometry with testing of the thresholds of the vibration sense at seven frequencies between 8-500 Hz in different intensities has been correlated with nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve to evaluate its diagnostic power in neuropathies at the elbow. Thirty-nine patients with entrapment symptoms were studied. Vibrotactilometry was abnormal in 33 patients (85%) and nerve conduction studies were abnormal in 19 (49%). The sensitivity of vibrotactilometry in relation to nerve conduction studies was 89%, and in relation to the patients' symptoms was 85%. We conclude that vibrotactilometry is a sensitive test that correlates well with the patients' symptoms, while nerve conduction studies are less sensitive (49%) in relation to the patients' symptoms. Vibrotactilometry in the frequency area of 8-500 Hz is recommended in the screening of ulnar nerve entrapment. Nerve conduction studies are recommended in clinically doubtful cases to localise the entrapment to the elbow region.

MeSH terms

  • Electrophysiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Sensory Thresholds
  • Ulnar Nerve / physiopathology
  • Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Vibration