Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
09:31
Individualized Stem-positioning in Calcar-guided Short-stem Total Hip Arthroplasty
Published on: February 27, 2018
12.6K
Contralateral ulnar neuropathy following total hip replacement and intraoperative positioning
S O'Brien1, D Bennett1, D J Spence1
1Outcome Assessment Unit, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing
|November 22, 2015
Summary
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can rarely cause ulnar neuropathy, often affecting the opposite arm. Careful intraoperative positioning is crucial to prevent this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy is a rare complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- Previous reports linked THA-associated ulnar neuropathy to the ipsilateral arm and inflammatory arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of ulnar neuropathy after THA.
- To identify potential risk factors and contributing elements for post-THA ulnar neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 7004 primary THA procedures performed between January 1993 and February 2009.
- Identification and analysis of patients reporting ulnar neuropathy symptoms post-surgery.
Main Results:
- The incidence of post-THA ulnar neuropathy was 0.14% (10 patients).
- Most patients (8/10) experienced symptoms in the contralateral upper limb.
- Symptoms presented unilaterally, contrasting with previous reports, suggesting positioning as a factor.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative patient positioning may be a significant factor in developing post-THA ulnar neuropathy.
- Attention to the support and positioning of the contralateral arm during THA is recommended to minimize risk.
