Postvitrectomy positioning complicated by ulnar nerve palsy.
OBJECTIVE
Ulnar nerve palsy is an unusual complication of postvitrectomy positioning.


METHODS
We report two such cases.


RESULTS
Both patients developed ulnar nerve palsy after maintaining a face-down position for 2 to 4 weeks after vitrectomy with intraocular perfluoro-octane. The neuropathy resolved in one patient after he was instructed to avoid prolonged pressure on his flexed elbows, whereas the other patient ultimately required surgical decompression of the nerve at the elbow.


CONCLUSIONS
Ulnar nerve palsy can result from postvitrectomy positioning associated with prolonged direct pressure on the ulnar nerve or compression of the ulnar nerve via flexion of the elbow.
Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
T A
TA
Ciulla
A R
AR
Frederick
C
C
Kelly
R
R
Amrein
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011187:Posture; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D017769:Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014821:Vitrectomy
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C073608:perfluorooctane