Ulnar nerve: cubital tunnel and Guyon's canal
The ulnar nerve can be entrapped at the elbow, where it passes behind the medial epicondyle into the cubital tunnel, and at the wrist, in Guyon's canal. This page brings both sites together with their anatomical plate and references. ULNT3 is the neurodynamic test that loads it.
Retroepicondylar groove and cubital tunnel
The ulnar nerve passes behind the medial epicondyle and enters between the heads of flexor carpi ulnaris. The fibrous roof of the tunnel, local bands and changes of space during elbow flexion may contribute to entrapment.
- Frequency
- Common, well-established site for this nerve.
- Type of evidence
- Anatomical and clinical review
References
- Choi SJ, Ahn JH, Ryu DS, Kang CH, Jung SM, Park MS, Shin DR. Ultrasonography for nerve compression syndromes of the upper extremity. Ultrasonography 2015. PubMed 25682987 · DOI
Guyon's canal
On the ulnar side of the wrist, the nerve passes through Guyon's canal, close to the pisiform and the hook of the hamate. Ganglion cysts, external pressure or local changes may affect it. The sensory or motor pattern depends on the relationship of the lesion to its bifurcation.
- Frequency
- Described site, less commonly seen.
- Type of evidence
- Anatomical and clinical review
References
- Wu WT, Chang KV, Hsu YC, Tsai YY, Mezian K, Ricci V, Özçakar L. Ultrasound Imaging and Guidance for Distal Peripheral Nerve Pathologies at the Wrist/Hand. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023. PubMed 37296780 · DOI