Ulnar Neuropathy Combined with Post-Traumatic Conditions of the Elbow

Park, Min Jong; Jung, Min Wook

Abstract

PURPOSE: We evaluated surgical cases of ulnar neuropathy combined with post-traumatic conditions of the elbow.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fourteen patients who received ulnar nerve decompression at the cubital tunnel combined with elbow injury were assessed retrospectively. Ulnar nerve showed McGowan grade I in eight patients, grade II-A in one, grade II-B in four and grade III in one. The decompression procedures included nine anterior transpositions, four epicondylectomy, and one in situ decompression. Pain, sensory and motor status were evaluated after a mean follow up of 17.9 months.
RESULTS
Symptoms were completely resolved in ten patients and markedly improved in four. Decreased motor function was improved by at least one grade in all patients. Ulnar neuropathy did not compromise flexion exercise in postoperative rehabilitation.
CONCLUSION
Development of ulnar neuropathy has close relationships with elbow trauma and its symptoms tend to be underestimated because elbow flexion is frequently limited due to post-traumatic contracture. Proper evaluation and decompression of the ulnar nerve should be considered as one of the factors influencing the clinical result in the management of post-traumatic problems of the elbow.