Unusual presentation of ulnar nerve entrapment and physiotherapy interventions

JRCRS-2016; 4(1): 39-41

Abstract

A 50 years old male professional engineer who was complaining of weakness in his left hand with
paresthesia in his hypothenar, little and ring finger and wrist extensor muscles weakness for the
previous three weeks with no complain of neck, arm or hand pain. The onset developed suddenly
after a deep night sleep. No history of fall or trauma was reported by him and he was otherwise
healthy person with no familial history of neuropathy. Atrophy of the left hypothenar was striking.
He visited a neurosurgeon several times and had been treated with NSAID'S, corticosteroid and multi
vitamins. Surgical option was under consideration based on MRI and electromyography findings.
EMG studies were suggestive of cervical root compression at C7 and C8 level. MRI findings were
suggestive of multiple level disc broad based disc bulges from C3 to C7.
The patient was assessed thoroughly and his condition was labelled as ulnar nerve neuropraxia at
the medial epicondyle level while other diagnoses were rejected. The patient was educated and
reassured regarding his condition and appropriate physiotherapy interventions were administered.
The interventions helped in complete recovery in 16 weeks.
Key words: Brachial pluxes, ulnerneuropraxia, physiotherapy intervention