Ulnar nerve is generally referred as “the nerve of the hand “ lesions (injuries) to this nerve can impact the functioning of the hand and lead to sensory and motor abnormalities that affect day-to-day functioning. This can occur when there is anywhere damage along the nerve path.
Difference Between Proximal Ulnar Nerve Lesion and Distal Ulnar Nerve Lesion
Below is the difference between proximal ulnar nerve lesion and distal ulnar nerve lesion in tabular format
| Feature | Proximal Ulnar Nerve Lesion | Distal Ulnar Nerve Lesion |
| General Name | Cubital Tunnel Syndrome | Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome (Guyon's Canal Syndrome) |
| Area | Near the elbow (cubital tunnel) | Near the wrist (Guyon's canal) |
| Primary Causes | Frequent elbow flexion, trauma, pressure | Compression, wrist fractures, repetitive motion |
| Symptoms | Numbness in ring and little fingers, Weakness | Numbness in ring and little fingers, claw hand |
| Muscle Involvement | Flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum profundus | Intrinsic hand muscles, hypothenar muscles |
| Diagnostic Examinations | Tinel's sign, nerve conduction studies, MRI | Tinel's sign, nerve conduction studies, MRI |
| Conservative Treatment | Rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory drugs | Rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory drugs |
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Proximal (high) Ulnar nerve Lesion
A proximal ulnar nerve lesion usually happens in the vicinity of the elbow; this happens commonly due to injury at or above the elbow which can result in denervation and palsy.
Causes:
- Bending the elbow repeatedly
- Long - term pressure on the elbow
- Direct trauma to the elbow
- Fractures or dislocations
Distal (low) Ulnar Nerve Lesion
A proximal ulnar nerve lesion usually happens closer to the wrist, frequently in or near Guyon's Canal ,this type of injury is not so common, nevertheless this can significantly affect hand function
Causes:
- Compression within Guyon's canal
- Fractures of the hamate or pisiform bones
- frequent movement of wrist
- long -term pressure on the wrist
- Vascular insufficiency
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Recognizing the Clinical Consequences
Even Though both proximal proximal and distal ulnar nerve lesions have distinct anatomical locations, they share similar symptoms hence careful understating is required for effective diagnosis and treatment, early treatment is the best way to prevent further damage and speedy recovery.
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