Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
06:40
Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Arthroscopic ulnar nerve identification during posterior elbow arthroscopy.
Srinath Kamineni1, David Anthony Hamilton
1Elbow Shoulder Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A.
Arthroscopy Techniques
|June 15, 2013
Summary
Elbow arthroscopy is advancing, but neurovascular injury risk limits procedures. This study introduces a safe technique to identify the ulnar nerve, enabling more complex posterior elbow arthroscopy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Anatomy
Background:
- Elbow arthroscopy has gained popularity for diagnosis and treatment.
- Proximity of neurovasculature to the surgical site poses a significant risk of iatrogenic injury.
- This risk limits the scope and extent of arthroscopic elbow procedures compared to open surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define a safe and reproducible arthroscopic technique for identifying the ulnar nerve.
- To facilitate safer arthroscopic interventions in the posteromedial elbow region.
- To expand the indications for arthroscopic treatment of posterior elbow pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Development and description of a specific arthroscopic technique.
- Focus on identifying the ulnar nerve within the posteromedial elbow gutter.
- Application of open surgical principles (neurovascular identification) to arthroscopy.
Main Results:
- A defined technique for safely locating the ulnar nerve during arthroscopy.
- Potential to mitigate the risk of neural and vascular injury in the posteromedial elbow.
- Enabling surgeons to perform previously restricted posterior elbow arthroscopic procedures.
Conclusions:
- Safe identification of the ulnar nerve is crucial for expanding arthroscopic elbow surgery.
- This technique translates open surgical safety principles to the arthroscopic setting.
- Facilitates increased utilization of arthroscopy for posterior elbow pathologies.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...