Ulnar Nerve Subluxation in a Collegiate Softball Player: A Case Report
Advisor Information
Adam Rosen
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2016 12:45 PM
End Date
4-3-2016 2:15 PM
Abstract
A 20-year old female Division I softball outfielder complained of pain in her right elbow in September 2013. She throws right-handed and the most pain in her elbow was reported while throwing. There was no known mechanism of injury and onset was gradual over approximately 2 weeks. The physicians, athletic trainers, and a chiropractor strived hard to treat her elbow pain, weakness and “numbness” in her 4th and 5th fingers. However, her conditions showed no further improvement until June 2015. The team physician subsequently referred her to an elbow specialist. The elbow specialist ordered another MRI in June 2015. MRI revealed swelling in the ulna nerve, the specialist diagnosed the athlete with a right ulnar nerve subluxation. An orthopedic surgeon performed a subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition in August 2015. Ice, friction massage, a compression sleeve were used to facilitate healing process. She currently is completing a rehabilitation program for her injury. The uniqueness of this case stems from the length of injury to the time of diagnosis which began two years prior to the final diagnosis. An ulnar nerve subluxation diagnosis should be considered in the absence of tissue damage to the nerve and surrounding areas. Athletic trainers should note and consider all neurological, musculoskeletal, and vascular findings upon examination to assist in proper assessment.
Ulnar Nerve Subluxation in a Collegiate Softball Player: A Case Report
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
A 20-year old female Division I softball outfielder complained of pain in her right elbow in September 2013. She throws right-handed and the most pain in her elbow was reported while throwing. There was no known mechanism of injury and onset was gradual over approximately 2 weeks. The physicians, athletic trainers, and a chiropractor strived hard to treat her elbow pain, weakness and “numbness” in her 4th and 5th fingers. However, her conditions showed no further improvement until June 2015. The team physician subsequently referred her to an elbow specialist. The elbow specialist ordered another MRI in June 2015. MRI revealed swelling in the ulna nerve, the specialist diagnosed the athlete with a right ulnar nerve subluxation. An orthopedic surgeon performed a subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition in August 2015. Ice, friction massage, a compression sleeve were used to facilitate healing process. She currently is completing a rehabilitation program for her injury. The uniqueness of this case stems from the length of injury to the time of diagnosis which began two years prior to the final diagnosis. An ulnar nerve subluxation diagnosis should be considered in the absence of tissue damage to the nerve and surrounding areas. Athletic trainers should note and consider all neurological, musculoskeletal, and vascular findings upon examination to assist in proper assessment.