Clin Should Elbow.  2012 Dec;15(2):109-116.

Ultrasonographic Findings and Usefulness in Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow

• Kim DH
• Cho CH
• Lee KR

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative ultrasonographic findings and usefulness in ulnar neuropathy around elbow.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-two patients with ulnar neuropathy were performed preoperative ultrasonogram. The route, location, thickness of the ulnar nerve and space occupying lesion through longitudinal scan were evaluated. Cross-sectional areas of the ulnar nerve were measured at the level of medial epicondyle and 3 cm proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle through axial scan. Correlations between swelling ratio of ulnar nerve and eletrophysiologic study and preoperative Dellon's assessment were checked.
RESULTS
In 21 cases (95.6%) of total 22 cases, diffuse swelling of the ulnar nerve around elbow were identified. 4 cases had space occupying lesions including 3 ganglionic cysts and 1 heterotopic ossification. Cross sectional areas at the level of medial epicondyle were significantly larger than at the level of 3 cm proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant correlations between swelling ratio of ulnar nerve and eletrophysiologic study and preoperative clinical assessment (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study showed that ultrasonography was helpful to detect etiology of ulnar neuropathy around elbow such as space occupying lesion, morphological change or dislocation of ulnar nerve. It could be useful tool for diagnosis and treatment in patients with ulnar neuropathy at elbow.

MeSH Terms

Dislocations
Elbow
Ganglion Cysts
Humans
Ossification, Heterotopic
Ulnar Nerve
Ulnar Neuropathies