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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2014; 75(06): 491-494
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1371518
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Ulnar Neuropathy Caused by a Widespread Synovial Cyst of the Elbow Joint in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Christoph Scholz
1   Department of General Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
,
Mortimer Gierthmuehlen
1   Department of General Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
,
Karl Egger
2   Department of Neuroradiology, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
,
Oliver Hauschild
3   Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
,
V. van Velthoven-Wurster
1   Department of General Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

20 September 2013

09 December 2013

Publication Date:
12 May 2014 (online)

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Abstract

A 53-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis presented with radiating pain, numbness, and diminished motor strength in the right hand according to the ulnar nerve functions. Magnetic resonance imaging and peripheral nerve ultrasound revealed a widespread cystic lesion descending from the elbow joint along the ulnar nerve over a length of 8 cm. After relapse under a therapeutic attempt with antirheumatic drugs, neurosurgical exploration was done using peripheral nerve ultrasound. A synovial cyst of the elbow was extirpated as a whole with subsequent anterior synovectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful with gradual recovery of function.

Keywords

rheumatoid arthritis - peripheral neuropathy - ulnar nerve - neurosurgical - decompression - peripheral nerve ultrasound
 

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