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

OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODS

Motor studies to the first dorsal interosseous and the abductor digiti quinti and a mixed ulnar nerve sensory study across the elbow.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

Motor studies were more sensitive than the ulnar mixed sensory study across the elbow in localizing ulnar neuropathy of the elbow.