Variations of the ulnar nerve and it’s clinical implications

Abstract

The ulnar nerve (UN) is a branch of the roots of the C8 and T1 nerves and arises from the brachial plexus medial cord. The formation, course, and distribution of this nerve is subject to a variety of variations. The present research was therefore conducted to describe the anatomical variation of the ulnar nerve and its possible clinical consequences. The research was performed on 40 dissected upper limb specimens (20 right and 20 left) from the Department of Anatomy, Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, of both sexes of the Indian population. Every aberrant formation and/or contact in relation to the ulnar nerve has been carefully examined. Four out of 40 upper limbs had variations linked to the ulnar nerve, with an occurrence of 10%. Among these four limbs, variance in ulnar nerve development was noted in three limbs, while irregular contact with the neighbouring nerve was found in one limb. The ordinary sensory-motor activity could be affected by an unusual UN relationship with its neighboring nerves and its irregular formation. Knowledge of the UN's anatomical variations is therefore important for clinicians to consider the nature of ulnar nerve neuropathy-related complications.