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Ahmadli N, Akgun K, Terlemez R, Misirlioglu TO, Palamar D. Ultrasonographic evaluation of ulnar nerve morphology in patients with ulnar nerve instability. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:543-547. [PMID: 38356457 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Ulnar nerve instability (UNI) in the retroepicondylar groove is described as nerve subluxation or dislocation. In this study, considering that instability may cause chronic ulnar nerve damage by increasing the friction risk, we aimed to examine the effects of UNI on nerve morphology ultrasonographically. METHODS Asymptomatic patients with clinical suspicion of UNI were referred for further clinical and ultrasonographic examination. Based on ulnar nerve mobility on ultrasound, the patients were first divided into two groups: stable and unstable. The unstable group was further divided into two subgroups: subluxation and dislocation. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the nerve was measured in three regions relative to the medial epicondyle (ME). RESULTS In the ultrasonographic evaluation, UNI was identified in 59.1% (52) of the 88 elbows. UNI was bilateral in 50% (22) of the 44 patients. Mean CSA was not significantly different between groups. A statistically significant difference in ulnar nerve mobility was found between the group with CSA of <10 versus ≥10 mm2 (p = .027). Nerve instability was found in 85.7% of elbows with an ulnar nerve CSA value of ≥10 mm2 at the ME level. DISCUSSION The probability of developing neuropathy in patients with UNI may be higher than in those with normal nerve mobility. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate whether asymptomatic individuals with UNI and increased CSA may be at risk for developing symptomatic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmin Ahmadli
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Akgun
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rana Terlemez
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tugce Ozekli Misirlioglu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Palamar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kraut A, Rydz E, Walld R, Demers PA, Peters CE. Carpal tunnel syndrome among Manitoba workers: Results from the Manitoba Occupational Disease Surveillance System. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:243-260. [PMID: 38265110 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is associated with occupational high-force repetitive tasks and vibration. This project examines the relationship between CTS and work to: (1) identify jobs and industries with increased CTS risk; (2) explore whether there is a sex difference in the risk of CTS after controlling for occupation; and (3) determine whether any observed relationships persist after excluding Workers Compensation Board (WCB) accepted time-loss CTS claims. METHODS We linked 95.5% of time-loss WCB claims from 2006 to 2019 to provincial administrative health data. The cohort included 143,001 unique person-occupation combinations. CTS cases were defined as at least two medical claims for (ICD-9 354) within a 12-month period or a surgical claim for CTS from 2 years before the WCB claim to 3 years after. WCB accepted CTS time-loss claims not identified by the medical claims were also included. RESULTS A total of 4302 individuals (3.0%) met the CTS definition. Analysis revealed that the hazard ratios (HRs) of CTS vary considerably with occupation. Sex-based differences in CTS risks were observed, both in low- and high-risk occupations. In many occupations with increased HR, the HR remained elevated after excluding accepted time-loss WCB cases. CONCLUSIONS The risk of developing CTS varied with occupation. Job titles with ergonomic risk factors had higher risks than those with lower exposures. This finding remained after eliminating time-loss compensated WCB cases, suggesting that all cases of CTS in high risk jobs are not identified in WCB statistics. Female workers in some job titles had excess CTS cases compared to male workers within the same job title.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Kraut
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Rydz
- CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Randy Walld
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Paul A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl E Peters
- CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Effect of Perineural Dextrose Injection on Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:2085-2091. [PMID: 35690093 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare perineural dextrose injection efficacy in the treatment of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow with a control group. DESIGN Prospective, double-blind, randomized, control study. SETTINGS Training and Research Hospital Participants: The study was completed with 40 patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow Intervention: Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) was injected to the control group (n=20; mean age=38.1 ± 10.7 years; median duration of symptoms = 4.5 months), while 5% dextrose (D5W) was injected to the dextrose group (n=20; mean age=43.6 ±13.5 years; median duration of symptoms = 5 months), perineurally under ultrasound guidance twice at two-week intervals. US-guided perineural injection of 1 cc each was administered into the ulnar nerve, 2 cm and 4 cm distal to the medial epicondyle, at the level of the medial epicondyle, and 2 cm and 4 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle. Amount of total fluid injected was 5 cc. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) At baseline, weeks 2, 4, and 12, the patients were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale for pain and the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire for disability. Electrophysiological evaluation was performed with ulnar nerve conduction studies, and the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured on ultrasonography. RESULTS The improvements in pain, disability, ulnar motor nerve velocity and CSA in the dextrose group were superior to those in the control group, especially at weeks 4 and 12 (p<0.001, using independent-samples t-test). CONCLUSION Perineural D5W may be an effective alternative therapy for those with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow for up to the 12th week.
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The ultrasonographic assessment of the morphologic changes in the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel in Japanese volunteers: relationship between dynamic ulnar nerve instability and clinical symptoms. JSES Int 2021; 5:942-947. [PMID: 34505110 PMCID: PMC8411065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We investigated the differences in the prevalence of ulnar nerve instability (UNI) by hand dominance and evaluated the relationship between UNI and morphologic changes in the ulnar nerve and the clinical findings and upper limb function. Methods This study examined 153 healthy participants (n = 306 elbows; 44 men, 112 women; mean age 65.4 years) who underwent ultrasonography to assess the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area (UNCSA) at three points of the bilateral cubital tunnel at 30° of elbow flexion. Participants were divided into three groups based on the ultrasonography findings of UNI: no instability (type N), subluxation (type S), and dislocation (type D). For the dominant and nondominant sides, we assessed the relationship between the UNCSA and clinical factors, including the age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, fat mass, grip strength, key pinch strength, UNCSA, and Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation score. Results We identified 75 cases without instability in both elbows and 78 cases with some instability. The prevalence of UNI was 51%. No significant difference was found between hand dominance and the prevalence of UNI. The UNCSA at 1 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle on the bilateral sides in type S was the most increased among three types. Conclusion UNI was identified in almost half of the participants, with no marked difference found in the hand dominance. The UNCSA at 1 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle was significantly increased the most in type S. UNI does not appear to be associated with elbow symptoms in the general population.
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Kim S, Lee GY. Evaluation of the ulnar nerve with shear-wave elastography: a potential sonographic method for the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy. Ultrasonography 2020; 40:349-356. [PMID: 33115185 PMCID: PMC8217804 DOI: 10.14366/usg.20101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was designed to verify whether shear-wave elastography (SWE) can be used to differentiate ulnar neuropathy at the cubital tunnel from asymptomatic ulnar nerve or medial epicondylitis. An additional aim was to determine a cut-off value to identify patients with ulnar neuropathy. METHODS This study included 10 patients with ulnar neuropathy at the cubital tunnel as confirmed with electromyography (three women and seven men; mean age, 51.9 years), 10 patients with medial epicondylitis (nine women and one man; mean age, 56.1 years), and 37 patients with asymptomatic ulnar nerve and lateral epicondylitis (21 women and 16 men; mean age, 54.0 years). Each patient underwent SWE of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel, distal upper arm, and proximal forearm. RESULTS Patients with ulnar neuropathy at the cubital tunnel exhibited significantly greater mean ulnar nerve stiffness at the cubital tunnel (66.8 kPa) than controls with medial epicondylitis (21.2 kPa, P=0.015) or lateral epicondylitis (33.9 kPa, P=0.040). No significant differences were observed between patients and controls with regard to ulnar nerve stiffness at the distal upper arm or the proximal forearm. A stiffness of 31.0 kPa provided 100% specificity, 80.0% sensitivity, 100% positive predictive value, and 83.3% negative predictive value for the differentiation between ulnar neuropathy and medial epicondylitis. CONCLUSION Cubital tunnel syndrome is associated with a stiffer ulnar nerve than lateral or medial epicondylitis. SWE seems to be a new, reliable, and simple quantitative diagnostic technique to aid in the precise diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the cubital tunnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Guen Young Lee
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Gallo L, Gallo M, Murphy J, Waltho D, Baxter C, Karpinski M, Mowakket S, Copeland A, Thoma A. Reporting Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. J Hand Surg Am 2020; 45:707-728.e9. [PMID: 32591175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Comparison between studies assessing outcomes after surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) has proven to be difficult owing to variations in outcome reporting. This study aimed to identify outcomes and outcome measures used to evaluate postoperative results for CuTS. METHODS We performed computerized database searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Studies with 20 or more patients aged 18 and older who were undergoing medial epicondylectomy, endoscopic decompression, open simple decompression, or decompression with subcutaneous, submuscular, or intramuscular transposition for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow were included. Outcomes and outcome measures were extracted and tabulated. RESULTS Of the 101 studies included, 45 unique outcomes and 31 postoperative outcome measures were identified. These included 7 condition-specific, clinician-reported instruments; 4 condition-specific, clinician-reported instruments; 8 patient-reported, generic instruments; 11 clinician-generated instruments; and one utility measure. Outcome measures were divided into 6 unique domains. Overall, 60% of studies used condition-specific outcome measures. The frequency of any condition-specific outcome measure ranged from 1% to 37% of included studies. CONCLUSIONS There is marked heterogeneity in outcomes and outcome measures used to assess CuTS. A standardized core outcome set is needed to compare results of various techniques of cubital tunnel decompression. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study builds on the existing literature to support the notion that there is marked heterogeneity in outcomes and outcome measures used to assess CuTS. The authors believe that a future standardized set of core outcomes is needed to limit heterogeneity among studies assessing postoperative outcomes in CuTS to compare these interventions more easily and pool results in the form of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gallo
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matteo Gallo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Murphy
- Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Waltho
- Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charmaine Baxter
- Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marta Karpinski
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sadek Mowakket
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Copeland
- Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Achilleas Thoma
- Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Ulnar nerve instability in the cubital tunnel of asymptomatic volunteers. J Ultrasound 2019; 22:337-344. [PMID: 30864003 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-019-00370-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ulnar nerve instability (UNI) in the cubital tunnel is defined as ulnar nerve subluxation or dislocation. It is a common disorder that may be noted in patients with neuropathy or in the asymptomatic. Our prospective, single-site study utilized high-resolution ultrasonography (US) to evaluate the ulnar nerve for cross-sectional area (CSA) and measures of shear-wave elastography (SWE). Mechanical algometry was obtained from the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel to assess pressure pain threshold (PPT). METHODS Forty-two asymptomatic subjects (n = 84 elbows) (25 males, 17 females) aged 22-40 were evaluated. Two chiropractic radiologists, both with 4 years of ultrasound experience performed the evaluation. Ulnar nerves in the cubital tunnel were sampled bilaterally in three different elbow positions utilizing US, SWE, and algometry. Descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, and rater reliability were utilized for data analysis with p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Fifty-six percent of our subjects demonstrated UNI. There was a significant increase in CSA in subjects with UNI (subluxation: 0.066 mm2 ± 0.024, p = 0.027; dislocation: 0.067 mm2 ± 0.024, p = 0.003) compared to controls (0.057 mm2 ± 0.017) in all three elbow positions. There were no significant group differences in SWE or algometry. Inter- and intra-observer agreements for CSA of the ulnar nerves within the cubital tunnel were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and demonstrated moderate (ICC 0.54) and excellent (ICC 0.94) reliability. CONCLUSIONS Most of the asymptomatic volunteers demonstrated UNI. There was a significant increase in CSA associated with UNI implicating it as a risk factor for ulnar neuropathy in the cubital tunnel. There were no significant changes in ulnar nerve SWE and PPT. Intra-rater agreement was excellent for the CSA assessment of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. High-resolution US could be utilized to assess UNI and monitor for progression to ulnar neuropathy.
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Abstract
Upper extremity entrapment neuropathies are common and can cause pain, sensory loss, and muscle weakness that lead to functional disability. In this article, the authors review common entrapment neuropathies of the upper extremities, including median neuropathy at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, and radial neuropathy. The authors discuss the pathophysiology of nerve compression and typical etiologies, as well as strategies for differentiating between common mimics such as cervical radiculopathy and for selecting between various treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Doughty
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael P Bowley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, WACC 739B, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Paluch Ł, Noszczyk B, Nitek Ż, Walecki J, Osiak K, Pietruski P. Shear-wave elastography: a new potential method to diagnose ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Eur Radiol 2018; 28:4932-4939. [PMID: 29858636 PMCID: PMC6223854 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The primary aim of this study was to verify if shear-wave elastography (SWE) can be used to diagnose ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). The secondary objective was to compare the cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel and to determine a cut-off value for this parameter accurately identifying persons with UNE. Methods The study included 34 patients with UNE (mean age, 59.35 years) and 38 healthy controls (mean age, 57.42 years). Each participant was subjected to SWE of the ulnar nerve at three levels: in the cubital tunnel (CT) and at the distal arm (DA) and mid-arm (MA). The CSA of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel was estimated by means of ultrasonographic imaging. Results Patients with UNE presented with significantly greater ulnar nerve stiffness in the cubital tunnel than the controls (mean, 96.38 kPa vs. 33.08 kPa, p < 0.001). Ulnar nerve stiffness of 61 kPa, CT to DA stiffness ratio equal 1.68, and CT to MA stiffness ratio of 1.75 provided 100% specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive value in the detection of UNE. Mean CSA of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel turned out to be significantly larger in patients with UNE than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). A weak positive correlation was found in the UNE group between the ulnar nerve CSA and stiffness (R = 0.31, p = 0.008). Conclusions SWE seems to be a promising, reliable and simple quantitative adjunct test to support the diagnosis of UNE. Key Points • SWE enables reliable detection of cubital tunnel syndrome • Significant increase of entrapped ulnar nerve stiffness is observed in UNE • SWE is a perspective screening tool for early detection of compressive neuropathies
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Paluch
- Department of Radiology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Gruca Orthopaedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital, Otwock, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Noszczyk
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Prof. W. Orlowski Memorial Hospital, Czerniakowska 231 Street, 00-416, Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.
| | - Żaneta Nitek
- Department of Radiology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Gruca Orthopaedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital, Otwock, Poland
| | - Jerzy Walecki
- Department of Radiology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Gruca Orthopaedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital, Otwock, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Osiak
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Prof. W. Orlowski Memorial Hospital, Czerniakowska 231 Street, 00-416, Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland
| | - Piotr Pietruski
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Prof. W. Orlowski Memorial Hospital, Czerniakowska 231 Street, 00-416, Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.,Department of Applied Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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