Conservative therapy in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (Review)

Poenaru,Daniela; Ojoga,Florina; Sandulescu,Miruna; Cinteza,Delia

doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11444

Conservative therapy in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (Review)

Authors:
- Daniela Poenaru
- Florina Ojoga
- Miruna Sandulescu
- Delia Cinteza
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Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 052785, Romania
Published online on: June 15, 2022 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11444
Article Number: 517
Copyright: © Poenaru et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most frequent entrapment syndrome in the upper limb after carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical features are validated through electromyographic and sonographic examination. Although the two aforementioned entrapment syndromes share common pathophysiological traits, the conservative treatment approach for mild and moderate cases of UNE differs from that for median nerve entrapment. The present study identified 23 different types of scientific articles aimed to address this issue. The research stressed the importance of patient education and activity modification. Night splinting offers clinical and functional improvement. Although corticosteroid injections play a role in selected cases, their utility remains to be validated. Physiotherapy trials evaluated ultrasound, low‑level laser therapy, diathermy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy and dry cupping. Neurodynamic mobilization may add value to therapeutic approaches and should be a part of it.

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