Summary
Information regarding 35 patients who developed signs and symptoms of lesions in the ulnar nerve during the post-anaesthetic period, has been reported. The pertinent anatomical and physiological factors in the aetiology of compression neuropathy of the ulnar nerve have been summarized. The use of electromyography and nerve conduction studies has been discussed in relation to localizing the site, following the progression, estimating the severity of a lesion and helping to differentiate between a recent or a pre-operative lesion.
Lesions of the ulnar nerve continue to occur in patients who receive an anaesthetic. In our cases the severity of the lesions was not related to age, sex, type of operation or anaesthetic or the duration of the anaesthetic. Compression neuropathies of the ulnar nerve occurred more commonly in males than females. They may lead to a prolonged disability. Preventive measures and the importance of adequate follow-up have been discussed briefly.
Résumé
C’est depuis 1901 que l’on rapporte dans les annales médicales des cas de névrite cubitale de compression survenant en cours d’anesthésie. Cette étude porte sur 35 cas qui nous furent dirigés pour électro-diagnostic entre 1965 et 1974.
Après avoir résumé les éléments anatomiques et physiologiques impliqués dans l’étiologie de cette affection, l’article présente les données électro-diagnostiques. Dans cette série, la gravité des lésions n’était ni en fonction de l’âge, ni du sexe des malades, non plus que du type de chirurgie ou de la durée de l’anesthésie. L’incidence cependant était plus élevée chez les hommes. Cette affection peut conduire à une incapacité prolongée. Les auteurs recommandent, comme mesure de prévention: l’utilisation de coussins protecteurs au niveau des coudes et l’emploi de tables d’opération et de civières plus larges. Il faut porter une attention particulière à la position des bras, aux pansements, fixations, etc.
Les malades porteurs de cette névrite, méritent d’être examinés à intervalle régulier en vue d’évaluer la récupération et orienter le traitement.
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Cameron, M.G.P., Stewart, O.J. Ulnar nerve injury associated with anaesthesia. Canad. Anaesth. Soc. J. 22, 253–264 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03004834
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03004834