Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at Elbow: Current Debates

Authors

  • Praveen Bhardwaj MS (Ortho); DNB (Ortho); FNB (Hand & Microsurgery) European Diploma Hand Surgery Consultant- Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India
  • Chetan Patel MBBCh, FCS PlastSurg (SA), MMedPlastSurg (Wits) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, SandtonMediclinic, Cnr Peter Place and Main Road, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Shyam Chandrasekar Third year undergraduate - B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego.

Abstract

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) results from ulnar nerve entrapment (UNE); an anatomical combination of tension and compression to the fibres of the ulnar nerve as they pass around the elbow through the distal arm into the proximal forearm. The acute on chronic nature of the syndrome has been elegantly outlined in a wide variety of studies. Demographics that relate to peripheral nerve compressions in general have contributed to an increase in the incidence of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Clinical examination supported by neurophysiological confirmation forms the basis of obtaining a diagnosis; more recently radiologic corroboration of anatomical changes and specific site localization has improved and added to pre-operative findings. Whilst primary surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome has been on the increase with no clear preference for a procedure in randomized controlled trials, a trend toward minimal nerve handling/dissection has emerged in primary cases; whilst conservative measures used continue to provide relief in the majority of patients with mild disease. Transposition of the ulnar nerve still remains the procedure.

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Published

2018-08-31

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2018): Journal of Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Section

Review