A new cause for iatrogenic lesion of the ulnar nerve at the arm: contraceptive hormonal implant. Report of two cases

The authors describe two cases of iatrogenic lesions of the ulnar nerve at the arm level after insertion of contraceptive hormonal implants. The presence of only a thin subcutaneous fat layer on the medial side of the arm in slim women, exposes the ulnar nerve to danger during the insertion or withdrawal of the implant. We therefore advise the insertion of such implants on the medial side of the thigh in slim women. We equally recommend that withdrawal of non-tangible devices implanted on the medial side of the arm or in case of neurologic symptoms, even transitory, be done by a trained microsurgeon.