An ulnar nerve neuropathy can refer to pathology and associated symptoms pertaining to the ulnar nerve anywhere along its course (i.e. from C8/T1 roots to the hand). It can occur at any site along its course and commonly occurs due to pathology at the elbow/cubital tunnel region or in the Guyon canal.
Clinical presentation
Patients typically describe numbness and tingling of the ulnar-sided digits of the hand, classically in the small (5th) finger and ulnar aspect of the ring (4th) finger.
Pathology
Etiology
Conditions that can result in ulnar nerve neuropathy include:
ulnar nerve dislocation/subluxation at the elbow
injury from trauma/surgery
lesions: e.g. schwannoma, ganglion cyst