Compressive ulnar neuropathies at the elbow: II. treatment.

Initial treatment of most compressive neuropathies at the elbow is nonoperative, consisting of rest, avoidance of elbow flexion, and, when necessary, temporary immobilization of the elbow and wrist. If symptoms persist, particularly when accompanied by muscle weakness, surgery is usually indicated. Operative procedures include decompression without transposition of the nerve (in situ or by means of medial epicondylectomy) and decompression with transposition of the nerve carried out in a subcutaneous, intramuscular, or submuscular fashion.

Compressive ulnar neuropathies at the elbow: I. Etiology and diagnosis.

Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow can occur at any of five sites that begin proximally at the arcade of Struthers and end distally where the nerve exits the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle in the forearm. Compression occurs most commonly at two sites-the epicondylar groove and the point where the nerve passes between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle (i.e.