Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 22, 253-264, Copyright © 1975 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Ulnar Nerve Injury Associated with Anaesthesia

¹ Professor and Head, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario, formerly Chief of Service, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Victoria Hospital
² Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Director of Electrodiagnostic Laboratories, University and Westminster Hospitals

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.

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From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario, Victoria, University and Westminster Hospitals, London, Ontario.