[Isolated ulnar nerve lesions. Results and sequelae after treatment at a specialized unit: apropos of 40 cases]

77 patients with an isolated traumatic ulnar nerve lesion were operated on between 1972 and 1982. 40 patients with more than 18 months of follow-up were reviewed with a new clinical quoting. 37.5 p. cent of satisfactory results were achieved with nerve sutures done in emergency, 56.3 p. cent with secondary nerve grafting. Factors influencing the results were age, level of the lesion and use of the microscope. 80 p. cent of the patients recovered a protective sensibility, but only one third discrimination. Patients considered sensory deficit as little cumbersome. Wartenberg's sign was noticed in 60 p. cent of our patients and a claw hand in 46 p. cent. Power grip was only 70 p. cent of the contralateral hand due to poor interosseous muscle recovery. The main disability was an instable thumb metacarpophalangeal joint in 70 p. cent. Subterminal pinch grip was weak and was improved by the transfer of the flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring finger. Cold hypersensitivity was noticed in 73 p. cent of our patients, but its frequency diminished with sensory recovery. Motor deficiencies were the most important and required early tendon transfers in older patients.