The ulnar nerve is one of three major peripheral nerves to the upper extremity. It gives sensation to the limited finger, the outer half of the ring finger, and sends motor fibers to several nerves of the hand. It is also one of the most vulnerable of the major peripheral nerves in the body because of its position that is so exposed at the elbow.
The ulnar nerve passes straight through the ulnar groove at the elbow. This is a groove in the lateral aspect of the humerus, and is the area commonly understanding of as the funny bone. When the ulnar groove is accidentally bumped it sends sharp electrical pains down the forearm into the limited and ring fingers that often leads to a grimace that looks funny to others. Often we laugh because the pain is odd, we feel foolish for the clumsiness that led to the trauma in the first place, and hence the name funny bone.
Sharp Led
Chronic ulnar nerve trauma leads to a health called ulnar neuropathy. This can be suspected with a good degree of certainty by a doctor from history and bodily exam, but definitive diagnosis normally requires an electro-diagnostic test called nerve conduction testing. This testing is normally ordered by a customary care physician, but is done by a neurologist or bodily rehabilitation specialist.
With the nerve conduction testing confirmation of the diagnosis severe ulnar neuropathy is sometimes treated with transposition of the ulnar nerve from inside the ulnar groove anteriorly to the volar forearm to release the nerve from pressure or irritation. This surgery has a high success rate, but is less than ideal because it leaves the nerve in an even more exposed position. Many patients with less severe ulnar neuropathy choose to simply tolerate the discomfort, or to use nighttime splints to ease pressure on the nerve.
Ulnar Neuropathy