Ulnar nerve neuropathy following total elbow replacement

Abstract

There are numerous possible reasons behind sensory impairment of the ulnar nerve, the commonest being an iatrogenic injury occurring due to stretching of the ulnar nerve. Prolonged surgery and tourniquet time are the other possible causes. The natural course following such an injury is usually benign and the nerve recovers in three to six months. In this case the nerve failed to recover even after six months. Exploration was done at six months which showed that the nerve was in the elbow joint. This unique finding has been reported with the discussion regarding anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve in cases of total elbow arthroplasty.