Perioperative ulnar neuropathies: a medicolegal review.

BACKGROUND

Perioperative ulnar neuropathies have long been attributed to inappropriate arm positioning and padding during operations and have resulted in many lawsuits.

METHODS

A recent Canadian lawsuit is described and the literature regarding perioperative ulnar and other focal neuropathies reviewed.

RESULTS

The evidence strongly suggests that ulnar nerve damage is usually sustained in the postoperative rather than the intraoperative period. There is no evidence that positioning or padding of the arm during the operation prevents perioperative ulnar neuropathies.

CONCLUSIONS

There should generally be no basis for a claim against medical or nursing staff or hospitals when an ulnar neuropathy develops following anesthesia and surgery.