Is triceps hypertrophy associated with ulnar nerve luxation?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• The exact cause of ulnar nerve luxation remains unclear.
• The triceps brachii muscle is a potential contributing factor to this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between triceps brachii muscle hypertrophy and the frequency of ulnar nerve luxation.
• To determine if increased triceps muscle mass is associated with a higher rate of nerve luxation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study comparing amateur bodybuilders with healthy controls.
• Clinical and sonographic assessment of triceps hypertrophy.
• Graded classification of ulnar nerve position relative to the medial epicondyle.

Main Results:

• In arms with triceps hypertrophy, 35.5% showed subluxation and 43.5% showed complete luxation.
• In control arms, 33.9% showed subluxation and 16.1% showed complete luxation.
• A higher frequency of ulnar nerve luxation was observed in the hypertrophic group.

Conclusions:

• Increased triceps muscle mass appears to be a contributing factor to ulnar nerve luxation.
• Triceps hypertrophy may predispose individuals to ulnar nerve instability.