Is triceps hypertrophy associated with ulnar nerve luxation?
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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of the Rat Ulnar Nerve with Axonal Excitability Testing
Published on: February 6, 2018
Arwed E Michael1, Peter Young1
1Institute for Sleep Medicine and Neuromuscular Disorders, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
Introduction:
The mechanism of ulnar nerve luxation is unclear, but the triceps brachii muscle may be a contributing factor. Therefore, we explored whether hypertrophy of the triceps brachii muscle is more frequently accompanied by nerve luxation.
Methods:
In this investigation we used a cross-sectional design to study a group of amateur bodybuilders (n = 31) in a comparison with a group of age-matched healthy controls (n = 31). Triceps hypertrophy was determined clinically and sonographically. The position of the ulnar nerve in relation to the medial epicondyle was classified according to a graded (0-4) scale.
Results:
In full flexion of 62 hypertrophic arms, 22 (35.5%) revealed subluxation and 27 (43.5%) complete luxation. In the controls, 21 (33.9%) demonstrated subluxation and 10 (16.1%) complete luxation.
Discussion:
The higher frequency of ulnar nerve luxation in arms with hypertrophic triceps indicates that triceps muscle mass may be a factor contributing to ulnar nerve luxation. Muscle Nerve 58: 523-527, 2018.
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