Ulnar nerve problems in the athlete's elbow

Abstract

Ulnar neuritis at the elbow is a common entity affecting the athlete especially those involved in overhand sports. Inflammation of the ulnar nerve is a component of the disorders that affect the medial side of the elbow in athletics owing to the large tensile forces encountered. The treatment of the athlete with medial elbow pain should not be isolated to the findings of ulnar neuritis especially when attenuation of the ulnar collateral ligament is encountered. The prognosis of the athlete to return to their prior level of competition is related to their preoperative presentation. Patients with long-standing ulnar neuritis and severe lesions that include intrinsic muscle dysfunction and profound findings on EMG and nerve conduction studies have a less favorable outcome. The prognosis is also related to other associated conditions such as ulnar collateral ligament attenuation and degenerative arthritis. In athletes with symptoms primarily secondary to ulnar neuritis with minimal neurologic deficits and early treatment, the prognosis for return to competitive play is excellent.