Ulnar Neuropathy

Your Path

  • Ulnar Neuropathy

Etiology

  • Most commonly from compression near medial apsect of elbow (cubital tunnel)
  • A second site of compression is Guyon' canal, which is at medial aspect of wrist, palmar side

Risk Factors

  • Men > Women
  • Age > 35
  • Repetitive motion or prolonged wrist extension, cycling from gripping handle bar (Guyon canal), compression at elbow; trauma or osteophytes can contribute

Symptoms

  • Weakness w/grip
  • Chronic pain, which radiate down to 1/2 ring and pinky fingers, often worse at night/in AM

Physical Exam Findings

  • Paresthesias in pinky and ring fingers reproduced when tap over ulnar groove of elbow → "funny bone" sensation
  • If related to compression at Guyon canal, numbness or paresthesias in ring and pinky fingers reproduced by tapping over the canal or with phelan's maneuver (holding wrist in extreme flexion)
  • Weakness can occur with extreme compression→atrophy of lumbricals (intrinsics), claw fingers

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