features of an ulnar nerve lesion below the elbow
Last reviewed 10/2023
The clinical features of an ulnar nerve lesion below the elbow are presented according to the site of the lesion:
- in the cubital tunnel the features resemble those of a lesion at the elbow except:
- clawing is more prominent due to preservation of flexor digitorum profundus
- flexor carpi ulnaris is spared and so wrist flexion is unaffected
- at the wrist the features resemble those of a lesion at the elbow except:
- there is no sensory loss because the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve is spared
- in the hand the features resemble those of a lesion at the elbow except:
- the hypothenar eminence is usually spared
- wasting and weakness is confined to the interossei and adductor pollicis