Neuromuscular ultrasound in electrically non-localizable ulnar neuropathy

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the value of high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) in patients with ulnar neuropathy whose electrophysiology displayed an axonal, non-localizing pattern.

Methods: A prospective study of patients referred to an electromyography laboratory for ulnar neuropathy was performed. Of the 56 patients with clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDx) evidence of ulnar neuropathy, 12 were identified with non-localizing electrophysiology who subsequently underwent HRUS of the ulnar nerve.

Results: HRUS localized the ulnar neuropathy in all patients. In 2 patients, HRUS demonstrated structural lesions not at the elbow.

Discussion: HRUS often adds complementary information to standard EDx studies, including ulnar neuropathy. Thus, HRUS should be employed in patients with a non-localizing ulnar neuropathy on EDx studies. Muscle Nerve 58: 655-659, 2018.

Keywords: cubital tunnel; electrodiagnosis; mononeuropathy; nerve conduction studies; neuromuscular ultrasound; ulnar neuropathy.