Ulnar Nerve Entrapment - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Identifying which of the three hand nerves is impinged is usually quite simple. The ulnar nerve innervates the fourth and fifth fingers, and symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and tingling appear there. The ulnar nerve also innervates the intrinsic muscles of the hand, which on paralysis lead to a characteristic clumsiness in ulnar nerve palsy. Clinical tests, like card test, Froment sign, can be easily performed for assessment of ulnar nerve. However, a complete diagnosis should identify the source of the impingement, and further testing may be necessary to determine which of many possible underlying causes is relevant.