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cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment)

Etiology: - entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the elbow Clinical manifestations: 1) paresthesias 2) Tinel's sign 3) sensory abnormalities on the ulnar side of the 4th & 5th fingers 4) progressive hand weakness - unable to hold a piece of paper between the thumb & lateral aspect of the index finger [4] 5) claw hand 6) atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles Laboratory: 1) nerve conduction study 2) electromyography Differential diagnosis: 1) C8/T1 radiculopathy 2) lower trunk brachial plexopathy 3) early motor neuron disease (amyotropic lateral sclerosis) 4) ulnar nerve entrapment at the wrist or hand Management: 1) elbow splint to prevent flexion 2) protection of elbow with elbow pad 3) anti-inflammatory agents 4) surgical decompression is rarely needed [2]

Related

paresthesia; burning; tingling Tinel's sign ulnar nerve

General

ulnar neuropathy

References

  1. Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 1016-18
  2. Clyman B, in: UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
  3. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 18, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2018
  4. Doughty CT, Bowley MP. Entrapment neuropathies of the upper extremity. Med Clin North Am 2019 Mar; 103:357 PMID: 30704687