Ulnar nerve palsy and walking frames

Abstract

Distal ulnar nerve palsies have been described after repeated trauma to the heel of the hand in operators of pneumatic drills, carpenters using wood planes, secretaries using staplers and returning type-writer carriages, and lathe workers using a chuck key. It has also been noted in motorists closing car doors and after prolonged bicycle riding. The authors report two cases after the use of a walking frame. Both walking frames were standard, correctly used, and had hard plastic hand-grips that have since been padded. It remains to be seen whether the patients will recover.