[Nerve entrapment syndrome of the elbow and forearm]

In this study we will discuss entrapment of the median, ulnair, radial and lateral antebrachial nerves of the elbow and the forearm. Compression of the nerves may occur when they traverse a tunnel and an incompatibility exists between the diameter of the tunnel and its contents (e.g. nerves, tendons,...). However, at the elbow and the forearm the nerves are also exposed to particularly dynamic compressions. This is due to anatomical relationships changing between the nerve and its surrounding muscles, tendons and aponevroses during the motion of flexion-extension of the elbow and the prono-supination of the forearm. The possibility of this dynamic factor should be thoroughly explored during the examination through appropriate dynamic tests as described in this study.