Ulnar entrapment neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An electrodiagnostic study

Aims

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and electrophysiological features of ulnar entrapment neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed in a sample of consecutive diabetic patients aged 25–75 years, referred by the Diabetology Unit. NCS of the median, ulnar, radial, peroneal and sural nerves were performed on the non-dominant side. Median entrapment neuropathy at the wrist (MNW) and ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) and wrist (UNW) were diagnosed according to standard electrodiagnostic criteria.

Results

Sixty-four patients were enrolled, 28 male (44%), average age 61, average DM duration 14.5 years. Polyneuropathy was diagnosed in 45 subjects (70%). UNE was detected in 22 patients (34%) (4 did not have polyneuropathy), in the abductor digiti minimi in 16, the first interosseus in 14 and in both in 8. UNW was detected in 7 (11%) subjects and MNW in 40 (63%). NCS alterations consistent with ulnar neuropathy were detected in a high proportion of patients (45%), suggesting that the ulnar nerve is very susceptible to focal entrapment in DM.

Conclusions

Upper limb sensory and motor NCS, including motor conduction velocity across the elbow, should be considered in the staging of DM patients.