UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Ulnar nerve compression neuropathy

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: Ulnar nerve, compression, neuropathy, wrist (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2012 by Brian Corwell, MD (Updated: 11/12/2024)
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

The median nerve is not the only compression neuropathy of the wrist

The ulnar nerve can become compressed at the level of the wrist as it 1) enters Guyon's canal or 2) or as the deep branch curves around the hook of the hamate

Compression can occur due to carpal bone fractures, local inflammation, ganglias, lipomas, anatomic abnormalities, etc

In sports medicine, the most common mechanism is injury is seen in cyclists (cyclist/handlebar palsy)

http://www.hughston.com/hha/b_15_3_2a.jpg

Also seen in those who participate in racquet sports, baseball, and golf

Symptoms can be isolated motor (claw hand = rare), sensory or both

http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/85/Ulnar_claw.jpg

Can be associated w/ median nerve compression

Tx: Activity modification such as wearing padded gloves, padding the object, or changing hand position on the handlebars

If above fails, surgical decompression is very effective.