Complete dislocation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow: a protective effect against neuropathy?

Abstract

UNE occurs less frequently and is less severe on the side of complete dislocation. Complete dislocation may have a protective effect on the ulnar nerve. Muscle Nerve 56: 242-246, 2017.

Is triceps hypertrophy associated with ulnar nerve luxation?

“…Accordingly, asymptomatic cases of ulnar luxation should not be regarded as pathologic. 13 Finally, other studies failed to establish an association between ulnar dislocation and damage by demonstrating that dislocation did not occur more frequently in patients with ulnar neuropathy, 14 and electrodiagnostic abnormalities did not occur more frequently in subjects with ulnar nerve dislocation. 5 In cases of asymptomatic luxation (the great majority), any therapeutic action is inappropriate.…”

“…This high prevalence of (sub)luxation in healthy athletes may support the idea that mobility and dislocation of the nerve could be regarded as protective against compression of the distended nerve by the TBM in elbow flexion. Accordingly, asymptomatic cases of ulnar luxation should not be regarded as pathologic . Finally, other studies failed to establish an association between ulnar dislocation and damage by demonstrating that dislocation did not occur more frequently in patients with ulnar neuropathy, and electrodiagnostic abnormalities did not occur more frequently in subjects with ulnar nerve dislocation .…”

“…Finally, other studies failed to establish an association between ulnar dislocation and damage by demonstrating that dislocation did not occur more frequently in patients with ulnar neuropathy, and electrodiagnostic abnormalities did not occur more frequently in subjects with ulnar nerve dislocation . In cases of asymptomatic luxation (the great majority), any therapeutic action is inappropriate . Nevertheless, in cases with symptomatic ulnar dislocation and the frequently concurrent “snapping triceps” (painful dislocation of the TBM over the epicondyle), surgery is recommended as the most appropriate therapy …”

“…5 In cases of asymptomatic luxation (the great majority), any therapeutic action is inappropriate. 13 Nevertheless, in cases with symptomatic ulnar dislocation and the frequently concurrent "snapping triceps" (painful dislocation of the TBM over the epicondyle), 15 surgery is recommended as the most appropriate therapy. 4 The main finding from our study is that ulnar (sub)luxation frequently occurs in patients with a hypertrophic TBM.…”

“…A comparable observation was reported by Okamoto et al ; however, the meaning of this slight CSA enlargement remains unclear. It could be interpreted either as indicating subclinical damage of the nerve or reflecting a protective adaption, as Leis and colleagues suggested that ulnar nerve luxation was a protective maneuver preventing against significant damage and pronounced neuropathy. According to this study's data, ulnar (sub)luxation is the norm rather than the exception among athletes with a hypertrophic TBM.…”