ULNAR NERVE

OCCUPATIONAL CAUSES OF COMPRESSION ACROSS ELBOW

Abstract

Objective: To determine the etiology of ulnar nerve compression across
the elbow.Design: Retrospective and descriptive. Setting: At AFIRM Rawalpindi. Period: From Jan 2000 to Jan 2004.
Material & Methods: 267 cases of Ulnar Nerve Compression at elbow diagnosed after electro-physiological studies
were selected. Most of the patients with a variety of complaints were referred to Rehabilitation Medical Department,
Rawalpindi (AFIRM) for diagnostic evaluation (NCS/EMG) and management. Results: Out of 267 patients 210(78.65%)
were males and 57(21%) were females. The mean age was 35 yrs (Range 9-67yrs). Most of the patients 180(67.41%)
had left sided Ulnar nerve compression at elbow where as 87(32.59%) suffered on Right side. The most common
mode of presentation were paraesthesia 234(88%), pain 166(44%) and weakness of intrinsic hand muscles 104(27%).
Electro-physiological evaluation shows prevalence of occupational 121(45%) and traumatic 51(21%) causes.
Conclusion: Management of Ulnar never compression must include a comprehensive rehabilitation program that
should focus on postural correction and workstation modification along with pharmacological and surgical advice