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Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome (Guyon Canal)

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Compressive Neuropathies of the Upper Extremity

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Abstract

Ulnar nerve entrapment at the wrist, commonly referred to as ulnar tunnel syndrome, has a variable presentation due to the intricate anatomy of the ulnar nerve as it courses through the distal ulnar tunnel, or Guyon’s canal. Having a fundamental understanding of the anatomy of the ulnar nerve at this level will allow the clinician to better diagnose the site of compression. Common etiologies include space-occupying lesions, acute and repetitive trauma, vascular, endocrine and anatomic anomalies. A detailed patient history can be very helpful in eliciting the proper diagnosis. Similarly, a thorough physical exam, including motor, sensory and vascular evaluations, assist in the diagnosis of ulnar tunnel syndrome. Electrodiagnostic and advanced imaging studies can also be helpful in confirming the diagnosis and defining the pathologic lesion responsible for compression. Treatment consists first of nonsurgical management; however surgical decompression may be warranted for failure of nonsurgical treatment or for persistent and/or worsening symptoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duke University Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Durham, NC, USA

    Elizabeth P. Wahl & Marc J. Richard

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  1. Elizabeth P. Wahl
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  2. Marc J. Richard
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Correspondence to Marc J. Richard .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Specialists - UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Dean G. Sotereanos

  2. Orthopaedic Specialists - UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Loukia K. Papatheodorou

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Wahl, E.P., Richard, M.J. (2020). Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome (Guyon Canal). In: Sotereanos, D., Papatheodorou, L. (eds) Compressive Neuropathies of the Upper Extremity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37289-7_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37289-7_19

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-37288-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-37289-7

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