PCL 08 Ulnar nerve palsy- Alan

Ulnar nerve palsy is defined as compression, damage or trapping of the ulnar nerve as it runs towards the hand from the brachial plexus.

 

Symptoms and signs

-          Numb and tingling feeling on little finger, ulnar half of ring finger

-          Weakness of grip

-          Clawed hand

-          Intrinsic muscle wasting (rare)

 

Causes

Compression: fracture, dislocation or leaning on the elbow, wrist

-          Dislocation of the elbow joint can cause entrapment of the ulnar nerve

Golfer’s elbow (aka Pitcher’s elbow)

-          Medial epicondylitis

-          Can occur with repeated use of wrists and clenching fingers

Cubital tunnel syndrome

-          Ulnar nerve is elongated during elbow flexion, intraneural pressure is increased leading to compression of the nerve

Guyon canal syndrome

-          Compression of the ulnar nerve by the Guyon Canal between pisiform and hamate carpal bones

-          Caused by repeated wrist and hand movement, pressure (cyclists, weightlifters), cyst within canal, hamate fracture, arthritis, clotting of ulnar artery

 

Reference

http://www.doctorslounge.com/neurology/diseases/ulnar_palsy.htm

http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40001161/

http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/TOPIC479.HTM

http://www.orthogate.org/patient-education/hand/guyons-canal-syndrome.html