Ulna Nerve Decompression at the Elbow in Patients with Normal Nerve Conduction Tests.

Background: Ulna nerve compression at the elbow is the second most common neuropathy of the upper limb. It has been suggested that nerve conduction tests are required to correctly make the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether patients with normal nerve conduction testing benefitted from surgical release of the ulna nerve.

Methods: 56 patients with symptoms of ulna nerve compression at the elbow were evaluated prospectively. All patients underwent electrophysiology testing followed by ulna nerve decompression irrespective of the results of the electrophysiology testing. Functional scores using the QuickDASH and PEM score were collected up to 12 months post-surgery.

Results: No difference was found between the group with normal and the group with abnormal electrophysiology studies.

Conclusions: We conclude that patients who clinically have ulna nerve compression still benefit from ulna nerve decompression despite normal nerve conduction tests.