Does the humerus have a groove for the ulnar nerve?

Nov 25, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The humerus has a groove for the ulnar nerve, which is located posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus and lies relatively close to the body surface. By gradually palpating posteriorly from the direction of the medial epicondyle of the elbow joint, about 0.5 cm deep, one can feel an elongated depression—this is the groove for the ulnar nerve. This groove is primarily situated at the elbow joint and forms a narrow, elongated bony depression between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the olecranon of the ulna.

The humerus has a groove for the ulnar nerve, which is located posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus and lies relatively close to the body surface. By gently palpating approximately 0.5 cm posteriorly from the direction of the elbow's medial epicondyle, one can feel a narrow, elongated depression—this is the ulnar nerve groove.

The ulnar nerve groove is primarily located at the elbow joint, forming a narrow, elongated bony depression between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the olecranon of the ulna, situated mainly just behind the medial epicondyle. By tracing the skin surface starting from the medial epicondyle of the elbow joint and moving gradually upward and medially toward the back, this narrow depression—about 5 mm in size—can be palpated.

Due to its superficial location, the ulnar nerve groove can easily be felt by hand and is therefore susceptible to injury. Prolonged desk work may compress the ulnar nerve. Ulnar neuritis, overuse injuries, labor-related trauma, or abnormal physical activities can all lead to entrapment symptoms at the ulnar nerve groove, resulting in clinical manifestations associated with ulnar nerve palsy. When patients experience such conditions, local decompression should be provided, or medications administered to reduce edema and pressure, thereby alleviating symptoms. Patients should also take precautions in daily life to protect the area and avoid trauma that could damage the ulnar nerve.

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