title: Complete dislocation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow: a protective effect against neuropathy?
abstract: Recurrent complete ulnar nerve dislocation has been perceived as a risk factor for development of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). However, the role of dislocation in the pathogenesis of UNE remains uncertain.
  
  
  
  We studied 133 patients with complete ulnar nerve dislocation to determine whether this condition is a risk factor for UNE. In all, the nerve was palpated as it rolled over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion.
  
  
  
  Of 56 elbows with unilateral dislocation, UNE localized contralaterally in 17 elbows (30.4%) and ipsilaterally in 10 elbows (17.9%). Of 154 elbows with bilateral dislocation, 26 had UNE (16.9%). Complete dislocation decreased the odds of having UNE by 44% (odds ratio = 0.475; P =  0.028), and was associated with less severe UNE (P = 0.045).
  
  
  
  UNE occurs less frequently and is less severe on the side of complete dislocation. Complete dislocation may have a protective effect on the ulnar nerve. Muscle Nerve 56: 242-246, 2017.
authors.affiliation: Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, 1350 E. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, Mississippi, 39216, USA.|Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: A Arturo
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Leis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Benn E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Division of Research Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Heidi E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Kosiorek
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, Division of Neurology, University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Omejec
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, Division of Neurology, University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Podnar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000294:innervation*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020424:Ulnar Neuropathies / Q000150:complications*; D014953:Wrist / Q000294:innervation
keywords: nerve conduction studies; subluxation; surgery; ulnar nerve dislocation; ulnar nerve hypermobility; ulnar neuropathy at the elbow