Korean J Pain.  2008 Dec;21(3):224-228. 10.3344/kjp.2008.21.3.224.

Ultrasound-guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Lesioning of the Ulnar Nerve in a Patient with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A case report

• Ghil BG
• Kil HY

• KMID: 1978712
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2008.21.3.224

Abstract

Ulnar nerve compression in the cubital tunnel is a common entrapment syndrome of the upper limb. Pulsed radiofrequency lesioning (PRFL) has been reported as a treatment method for relieving neuropathic pain. Since the placement of the electrode in close proximity to a targeted nerve is very important for the success of PRFL, ultrasound seems to be well suited for this technique. A 36-year-old woman presented with complaints of numbness and pain on the medial aspect of the elbow and the pain radiated down to the 4th and 5th fingers for 10 years after she suffered an elbow contusion, we then scheduled this woman for the ultrasound guided PRFL of the ulanr nerve. The initial ultrasound examination demonstrated a swollen nerve, loss of the fascicular pattern and an increased cross sectional area of the ulnar nerve. After confirmation of the most swollen site of the nerve via ultrasound, two sessions of PRFL were performed. The postprocedural 10 cm visual analog scale score decreased from 8 to 1 after the two sessions of PRFL.

Keyword

cubital tunnel syndrome; pulsed radiofrequency; ultrasound

MeSH Terms

Adult
Contusions
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Elbow
Electrodes
Female
Fingers
Humans
Hypesthesia
Neuralgia
Ulnar Nerve
Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes
Upper Extremity