Ulnar nerve subluxation and dislocation: a review of the literature

Bordes, Stephen J; Jenkins, Skyler; Bang, Katrina; Turğut, Mehmet; Iwanaga, Joe; Loukas, Marios; Spinner, Robert J.; Dumont, Aaron S.; Tubbs, R. Shane

doi:10.1007/s10143-020-01286-3

Cited by 16 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…It might also elucidate the site of nerve compression and the degree of nerve damage. Some authors recommend screening patients for systemic and metabolic disorders that might predispose them to this condition [ 53 , 54 ]. At times, the neuropathy might result from nerve instability or subluxation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Medial Epicondylalgia and Medial Elbow Pain—Imaging Findings and Narrative Literature Review

et al. 2022

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Medial epicondylalgia (ME), commonly known as “the golfer’s elbow”, typically develops in individuals who perform repetitive forearm movements and weight-bearing activities. It accounts for up to 20% of all epicondylitis cases and is most prevalent in particular sports and occupations. Though the diagnosis can be made based on sole clinical examination, additional imaging might be essential for confirmation of medial epicondylitis and excluding other pathologies of the medial epicondyle region. US imaging, with a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 92%, respectively, remains a practical and accessible alternative to MRI. However, its diagnostic efficacy highly depends on the operator’s experience and requires proper technique. This article describes the ultrasound examination and technique for adequate visualization of elbow joint structures. It also discusses the differential diagnosis of other common and less-known pathologies of the medial compartment of the elbow, including snapping triceps, medial collateral ligament injury, and cubital tunnel neuropathy.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Medial Epicondylalgia and Medial Elbow Pain—Imaging Findings and Narrative Literature Review

et al. 2022

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“…Furthermore, as the hypermobile UN becomes more vulnerable during flexion, a direct trauma or pressure forces might contribute to its damage. According to Bordes et al (28) review, the UN instability can also contribute to frictional and tractional neuritis. The concept of "frictional neuritis" assumes the subluxating/dislocating UN being irritated during the movement against bony irregularities around an arthritic or post-traumatic joint.…”

Section: Pathophysiology and Causesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: From Ultrasound Scanning to Treatment

et al. 2021

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Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is commonly encountered in clinical practice. It results from either static or dynamic compression of the ulnar nerve. While the retroepicondylar groove and its surrounding structures are quite superficial, the use of ultrasound (US) imaging is associated with the following advantages: (1) an excellent spatial resolution allows a detailed morphological assessment of the ulnar nerve and adjacent structures, (2) dynamic imaging represents the gold standard for assessing the ulnar nerve stability in the retroepicondylar groove during flexion/extension, and (3) US guidance bears the capability of increasing the accuracy and safety of injections. This review aims to illustrate the ulnar nerve's detailed anatomy at the elbow using cadaveric images to understand better both static and dynamic imaging of the ulnar nerve around the elbow. Pathologies covering ulnar nerve instability, idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome, space-occupying lesions (e.g., ganglion, heterotopic ossification, aberrant veins, and anconeus epitrochlearis muscle) are presented. Additionally, the authors also exemplify the scientific evidence from the literature supporting the proposition that US guidance is beneficial in injection therapy of UNE. The non-surgical management description covers activity modifications, splinting, neuromobilization/gliding exercise, and physical agents. In the operative treatment description, an emphasis is put on two commonly used approaches—in situ decompression and anterior transpositions.

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“…The subluxation can be described as a partial displacement, in which the UN moves out of the ulnar groove but stops on the tip of the medial epicondyle upon flexion of minimum 90° at the elbow. In dislocation, the UN passes the medial epicondyle completely (Bordes et al, 2021). These conditions can be misdiagnosed as classic CTS because there are certain similarities in the patients' chief complaints.…”

Section: Elbowmentioning

confidence: 99%

Possible points of compression of the ulnar nerve: Tricks and traps that await clinicians from an anatomical point of view

et al. 2021

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The ulnar nerve can be subject to numerous types of compression. The most common are cubital tunnel and ulnar tunnel syndromes, but there are many others with more uncommon etiologies. The existence of additional communicating branches, median nerve involvement, various types of injuries, and unusual anatomical variations can be a challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. This review presents a comprehensive depiction of ulnar nerve entrapment syndromes with particular reference to their anatomical background, risk factors, and clinical evaluation. Even common disorders can result from atypical morphological changes. It is important to be familiar with them as it is a key ability in daily medical practice.

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Ulnar nerve subluxation and dislocation: a review of the literature

Cited by 16 publications

References 48 publications

Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Medial Epicondylalgia and Medial Elbow Pain—Imaging Findings and Narrative Literature Review

Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Medial Epicondylalgia and Medial Elbow Pain—Imaging Findings and Narrative Literature Review

Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: From Ultrasound Scanning to Treatment

Possible points of compression of the ulnar nerve: Tricks and traps that await clinicians from an anatomical point of view

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