CLINICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF ULNAR NERVE INJURY

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the clinical and neurological manifestations of ulnar nerve injury (UNI) of various etiologies, evaluate the relationship between the level of injury, degree of neurological deficit, and functional impairment, and assess the diagnostic value of neurophysiological and imaging methods. Ninety-four patients aged 17–69 years were examined. Traumatic lesions were found in 44 patients (47%), compressive–ischemic injuries in 33 (35%), and iatrogenic injuries in 17 cases (18%). Clinical and neurophysiological assessments included strength testing of intrinsic hand muscles, sensory testing in the ulnar distribution, evaluation of neuropathic pain, electromyography (EMG), high-resolution ultrasound, MRI, and standardized hand function tests. The main manifestations included interosseous muscle weakness, hypothenar atrophy, Froment’s sign, claw-hand deformity, paresthesia in digits IV–V, and neuropathic pain. Injury severity correlated with lesion level, extent of axonal degeneration, and duration of symptoms. The results emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation, and timely rehabilitation.