Ulnar nerve subluxation and dislocation: a review of the literature

Neurosurg Rev. 2021 Apr;44(2):793-798. doi: 10.1007/s10143-020-01286-3. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of ulnar nerve subluxation and dislocation is widely debated. Upon elbow flexion, the ulnar nerve slips out of the groove for the ulnar nerve, relocates medial or anterior to the medial epicondyle, and returns to its correct anatomical position upon extension. This chronic condition can cause neuritis or neuropathy; however, it has also been suggested that it protects against neuropathy by reducing tension along the nerve. This article reviews the extant literature with the aim of bringing knowledge of the topic into perspective and standardizing terminology.

Keywords: Dislocation; Hypermobility; Instability; Laxity; Medial epicondylitis; Subluxation; Ulnar nerve.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Elbow Joint / innervation*
  • Elbow Joint / pathology*
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / pathology*
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Ulnar Nerve / pathology*
  • Ulnar Nerve / surgery