Best Practice Case Studies-Elbow and Forearm

Pdf Summary

The provided document contains two study questions related to the anatomical structure and clinical examination of the ulnar nerve. 

<strong>Study Question #1</strong> addresses the composition of the cubital tunnel, where the ulnar nerve is often compressed at the elbow. It asks which anatomical structure is not part of the borders of this region. The correct answer is: <strong>B. Heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris</strong>. The cubital tunnel's structure includes the medial epicondyle and the olecranon as "walls," Osbourne’s ligament as the "roof," and the posterior oblique and transverse bands of the medial collateral ligament as the "floor." Post tunnel, the ulnar nerve passes between the ulnar and humeral heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris but is not bounded by them within the cubital tunnel.

<strong>Study Question #2</strong> discusses clinical findings related to ulnar neuropathy at the elbow or wrist. It asks which test or finding is not associated with ulnar neuropathy. The answer is: <strong>D. Milking maneuver</strong>. The milking maneuver assesses the ulnar collateral ligament, rather than indicating ulnar neuropathy. Other signs and tests, such as the Froment sign, Wartenberg sign, Duchenne sign, and the elbow flexion test, are related to symptoms or diagnostic processes for ulnar neuropathy, which can include thumb pinch weakness, fifth finger adduction weakness, clawing of the fourth or fifth digits, and pain or paresthesias upon specific movement tests, respectively.

These questions and answers aid in understanding how to diagnose and assess the impacts of ulnar nerve compression.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 14

Topic Elbow and Forearm

Keywords

ulnar nerve

cubital tunnel

anatomical structure

clinical examination

ulnar neuropathy

flexor carpi ulnaris

medial epicondyle

Osbourne’s ligament

milking maneuver

elbow flexion test

3rd Edition

3rd Edition, CASE 14

Elbow and Forearm