An electrodiagnostic grading system for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.

INTRODUCTION

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy. Our goal was to create and analyze a grading system for UNE electrodiagnostic severity.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed EMG reports with UNE. We then classified 112 limbs as having mild, moderate, or severe grade UNE based on electrodiagnostic findings. The association between presenting symptoms and signs, EMG findings, treatment type, and electrodiagnostic grade was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventeen limbs (15.2%) had mild, 80 (71.4%) had moderate, and 15 (13.4%) had severe UNE. Symptoms (P = .016), exam findings (P < .001), and treatment type (P = .043) were significantly associated with electrodiagnostic grade.

DISCUSSION: Our UNE grading system was significantly related to symptoms, physical exam, and treatment selection and may be useful to measure electrodiagnostic severity.