Ulnar nerve injury associated with anaesthesia

Abstract

Information regarding 35 patients who developed signs and symptoms of lesions in the ulnar nerve during the post-anaesthetic period, has been reported. The pertinent anatomical and physiological factors in the aetiology of compression neuropathy of the ulnar nerve have been summarized. The use of electromyography and nerve conduction studies has been discussed in relation to localizing the site, following the progression, estimating the severity of a lesion and helping to differentiate between a recent or a pre-operative lesion. Lesions of the ulnar nerve continue to occur in patients who receive an anaesthetic. In our cases the severity of the lesions was not related to age, sex, type of operation or anaesthetic or the duration of the anaesthetic. Compression neuropathies of the ulnar nerve occurred more commonly in males than females. They may lead to a prolonged disability. Preventive measures and the importance of adequate follow-up have been discussed briefly. © 1975 Canadian Anesthesiologists.