Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy Associated with Cubitus Varus Deformity.
- Author:
Sangho OH
1
;
Yang Soo LEE
;
Poong Taek KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook University College of Medicine.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Cubitus Varus;
Tardy ulnar nerve palsy;
Electromyography
- MeSH:
Action Potentials;
Congenital Abnormalities*;
Elbow;
Elbow Joint;
Electromyography;
Forearm;
Hand;
Head;
Humans;
Humerus;
Muscles;
Needles;
Osteotomy;
Paralysis;
Shoulder;
Ulnar Nerve*;
Ulnar Neuropathies*
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
1999;23(1):54-59
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Six cases of tardy ulnar neuropathy caused by cubitus varus deformity are presented. Clinical features and electrodiagnostic study of six cases were analysed to understand the mechanim of nerve palsy and the usefulness of electrodiagnostic study. METHODS: Electrodiagnostic study and elbow flexion test were performed and elbow varus angle, internal rotation angle of shoulder, biceps and brachioradialis muscle activities were measured in 6 patients RESULTS: Decreased ulnar nerve motor conduction velocities in the elbow segment was shown in 5 patients. Prolonged distal latency and reduced amplitude of ulnar sensory nerve action potentials were shown in one patient. Needle electromyography showed large amplitude motor unit action potentials in ulnar innervated forearm or hand muscles. The mean values of varus angle and internal rotation angle of humerus were 21degrees, and 28degrees, respectively. Brachioradialis showed relatively higher activity than biceps brachii in the early phase of elbow flexion. Three patients underwent surgery and showed immediate symptom relief. CONCLUSION: Tardy ulnar nerve palsy in cubitus varus thought to be caused by internal rotation of distal segment of humerus, stretching of ulnar nerve, snapping of the medial head of triceps on ulnar nerve and anterior transposition and compression of ulnar nerve. The three dimensional corrective osteotomy could be the most efficient treatment to restore the anatomic alignment of the elbow joint.
