Electrodiagnostic evaluation of ulnar neuropathy and other upper extremity mononeuropathies

Abstract

Upper extremity mononeuropathies are some of the common disorders seen in neurophysiology laboratories. Electrophysiologic studies rely on accurate localization based on knowledge of applicable anatomy and features of history and physical examination. Careful electrodiagnostic studies provide an accurate diagnosis, help localize the lesion site, exclude alternate diagnoses, reveal unsuspected diagnoses, determine pathophysiology of lesions, and assess severity, timeframe, and prognosis of lesions. This article discusses the electrodiagnostic approach to ulnar neuropathy, proximal median neuropathy, radial neuropathy, musculocutaneous neuropathy, axillary neuropathy, suprascapular neuropathy, and long thoracic neuropathy. Pertinent aspects of the history and physical examination, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography are presented.