Dislocation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow in an elite wrestler

Abstract

Dislocation of the ulnar nerve is uncommon among the general population, but it has been reported more frequently in athletes who use their upper limbs to make forceful and resisted flexion of elbow joint. The authors report a unique case of ulnar nerve dislocation in an elite wrestler treated by partial epicondylectomy and subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. Following the surgery, a supervised and well-designed sport-specific rehabilitation program is a necessary requirement for a rapid return to sport. Such a program requires a bilateral consultation and collaboration between treating physician and trainer of the wrestler. The athlete regained his full function and returned to wrestling after a 3-month sport-specific functional rehabilitation program. Copyright 2011 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.