Prognostic indicators from electrodiagnostic studies for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow

INTRODUCTION: We examined the prognostic value of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). METHODS: In this retrospective study, EDX results were compared with subjective recovery (resolution of symptoms) and surgery in patients diagnosed with UNE. RESULTS: Of the 193 patients, 59 with "definite" UNE were included in the analysis. The combination of conduction block across the elbow to the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and normal distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude from the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) was strongly associated with recovery: 86% of these subjects achieved full subjective recovery compared to only 7% without conduction block and with an abnormal CMAP. There were no EDX predictors of surgery. CONCLUSION: EDX results contain useful prognostic information in UNE.