[Bursitis of the ulnar recess].

We investigated 20 patients suffering from wrist pain accompanied by local swelling of the recessus ulnaris. Pain could be produced by direct pressure to the recessus ulnaris or by rotation of the forearm during prehension grip. One group (n = 14) had no previous operation or trauma. A second group (n = 6) had undergone previous surgery or suffered from trauma. All patients were treated by injection of cortisone and lidocaine into the recessus ulnaris. In the first group, ten (71%) remained pain-free during a period of 19 (9 to 40) months. In the second group, no improvement could be achieved. Based on anatomy and evolution of the recessus ulnaris, we try to establish a theory of the pathology.