Neurológia pre prax 1/2012

Two-centimetre segment study of ulnar nerve motor conduction across the elbow – electromyographic technique

Neuropathy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is only second to carpal tunnel syndrome as the most common cause of upper extremity mononeuropathies encountered by an outpatient neurologist and an electromyographer in their practice. In clinical electromyography, a number of motor and sensory conduction studies and needle electromyography are used to diagnose this mononeuropathy. Segment study of motor conduction across the elbow (inching) is a less-commonly used technique due to the demands for execution and interpretation. However, this examination is essential because of accurate localization of the injury and may be beneficial in the case of a negative result of conventional neurography in clinically highly suspected neuropathy. The result of an examination using this method is useful for a neurologist, physiotherapist and surgeon. The aim of the article is to provide an overview of this neurographic technique for electromyographic practice.

Keywords: short segment nerve conduction studies, inching, ulnar, EMG, electromyography, mononeuropathy.