Three ulnar nerve conduction studies in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.

Abstract

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is often difficult to localize by standard electrophysiologic testing. This study compared three ulnar nerve conduction studies to determine which was more sensitive in localizing ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Motor studies to the first dorsal interosseous and the abductor digiti quinti and a mixed ulnar nerve sensory study across the elbow. Motor studies to the first dorsal interosseous and abductor digiti quinti were abnormal in 81% and 71% of patients, respectively. The ulnar mixed sensory study across the elbow was abnormal in 57%. In 38%, all three tests were abnormal. Motor studies were more sensitive than the ulnar mixed sensory study across the elbow in localizing ulnar neuropathy of the elbow.