Clinical features and electrodiagnosis of ulnar neuropathies

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2013 Feb;24(1):49-66. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2012.08.019. Epub 2012 Oct 25.

Abstract

In this review, we delineate clinical, electrodiagnostic, and radiographic features of ulnar mononeuropathies. Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is most commonly due to lesions at the level of the retroepicondylar groove (RTC), with approximately 25% at the humeroulnar arcade (HUA). The term 'cubital tunnel syndrome' should be reserved for the latter. The diagnostic accuracy of nerve conduction studies is limited by biological (e.g. low elbow temperature) and technical factors. Across-elbow distance measurements greater than 10 cm improve diagnostic specificity at the expense of decreased sensitivity. Short-segment incremental studies can differentiate lesions at the HUA from those at the RTC.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Electromyography
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Period
  • Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Wrist