Cigarette Smoking and Ulnar Mononeuropathy at the Elbow

Abstract

Cigarette smoking and UME seem to be associated. The presence of a plausible mechanism for injury and a dose-response effect suggests that this association may be causative.

Outcome of simple decompression of the compressed ulnar nerve at the elbow – influence of smoking, gender, and electrophysiological findings

“…Smoking is a reported risk factor for ulnar nerve compression [11,12], but gender seems not to be a risk factor [12]. There is improvement among smokers with CTS, as judged by QuickDASH score, after median nerve decompression, but they may have remaining disability compared to non-smokers [9].…”

Ulnar neuropathy and ulnar neuropathy-like symptoms in relation to biomechanical exposures assessed by a job exposure matrix: a triple case–referent study

“…Owing to limited exposure contrast, effects of repetitive movements could not be evaluated, but self-reported holding a tool in position was identified as a risk factor 20. Two case–referent studies comprised a total of 10021 or 10111 persons referred for ENG on suspicion of ulnar neuropathy, who were divided into case and referent groups based on ENG findings. These studies found no associations between ulnar neuropathy and self-reported routine flexion of the elbow,11 21 gripping of objects11 21 and elbow pressure 21.…”

Impact of Smoking on Clinical Outcomes of Open Arthrolysis for Post-Traumatic Elbow Stiffness

“…As a microvascular change, previous work suggested individuals who smoke were at increased risk of developing ulnar neuropathy at the elbow [34,35]. According to Richardson JK, smoking is associated with increased risk for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow in a doseresponse effect [36].…”