Electrophysiological and ultrasonographic findings in ulnar neuropathy with Martin-Gruber anastomosis

Muscle Nerve. 2013 Apr;47(4):604-7. doi: 10.1002/mus.23607. Epub 2013 Mar 5.

Abstract

Introduction: It is important to understand the presence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis in patients with complete ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.

Case report: We describe a patient with complete ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and Martin-Gruber anastomosis in the forearm, mimicking incomplete ulnar neuropathy with complete conduction block in the forearm segment. Ultrasonography of the ulnar nerve around the elbow demonstrated severe swelling of the ulnar nerve, which was compatible with severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.

Conclusions: This case report demonstrates that combination of ultrasonography with electrophysiological studies can provide more detailed information about the changes of nerve structures and lesion sites.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological
  • Elbow / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow / physiopathology
  • Electromyography
  • Forearm / diagnostic imaging
  • Forearm / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Median Nerve / abnormalities
  • Median Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Median Nerve / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Malformations* / diagnostic imaging
  • Nervous System Malformations* / physiopathology
  • Neural Conduction
  • Ulnar Nerve* / abnormalities
  • Ulnar Nerve* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulnar Nerve* / physiopathology
  • Ulnar Neuropathies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulnar Neuropathies* / physiopathology
  • Ultrasonography

Supplementary concepts

  • Median-Ulnar Nerve Communications