Occurrence and postoperative significance of dynamic ulnar nerve dislocation at the elbow

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients who undergo surgery under general anesthesia may develop ulnar neuropathy. Improper positioning was advocated to be the cause. Recent works suggest however that many postoperative ulnar nerve deficits may be traceable to chronic patient conditions. Little is known about ulnar nerve variants (eg. dynamic dislocation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow [DDUNE]). We hypothesize that DDUNE could be linked to ulnar neuropathy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence of this variant, the existence of signs of inflammation and to discuss its significance in relation to perioperative ulnar neuropathy.