Ulnar nerve palsy at the elbow after general anaesthesia

Abstract

Ulnar nerve palsy is a recognized complication of general anaesthesia. Many authors have reported several series of patients and found different incidences. In this literature review, the patho-physiology of the lesion and the anatomical characteristics of the cubital tunnel at the elbow are described together with its related conditions "cubital tunnel compression syndrome" and "recurrent ulnar nerve dislocation at the elbow." A precise and early diagnosis should be made using electromyography to determine the exact location of the lesion and the precise time-relationship of the pathology. The importance of careful positioning of the patient under anaesthesia in the prevention of ulnar nerve palsy is stressed. Unfortunately, treatment of the established lesion gives, at best, mixed results. © 1992 Canadian Anesthesiologists.