PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Yuksel, Gulbun
AU  - Karlikaya, Geysu
AU  - Tutkavul, Kemal
AU  - Akpinar, Ayse
AU  - Orken, Cihat
AU  - Tireli, Hulya
TI  - Electrodiagnosis of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow
DP  - 2009 Jul 01
TA  - Neurosciences Journal
PG  - 249--253
VI  - 14
IP  - 3
4099  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/14/3/249.short
4100  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/14/3/249.full
SO  - Neurosciences (Riyadh)2009 Jul 01; 14
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the different localizing electrodiagnostic techniques of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (UNE), particularly, comparison of the sensitivities of long segment stimulation across the elbow, versus short segment stimulation.METHODS: Patients who were referred to the Neurophysiology Laboratory of Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey between 2000-2004 with a preliminary diagnosis of UNE were retrospectively evaluated. We compared the sensitivity of studying long segments (8-12 cm) versus short segments (3 cm) for the diagnosis of UNE in 93 limbs.RESULTS: The study group consisted of 55 females and 31 males. Slowing of the conduction velocity (<50 m/sn) across the elbow was recorded in 48.4% of the limbs with long segment studies, and 73% of the limbs with short segment studies. In 82% of cases, an amplitude drop of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was also recorded. A CMAP amplitude drop of 10-30% between the wrist and elbow was recorded in 35 limbs (37.6%), while a drop of more than 50% was only recorded in 5 limbs (5.4%).CONCLUSION: Short segment studies are sensitive for the electrodiagnosis of UNE, and although a CMAP amplitude drop is recorded in most patients, an amplitude drop consistent with a conduction block (>50%) is rare.