Comparing the sensitivity of methods for diagnosing ulnar neuropathy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparative study investigating the sensitivity of two methods for diagnosing ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.
IRAS ID
122818
Contact name
Sarah Tyson
Contact email
Research summary
The study aims to compare the sensitivity of two different methods for diagnosing entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. To confirm the diagnosis with objective evidence and localise the point and severity of nerve entrapment, nerve conduction studies are commonly performed. These tests evaluate the function of both the sensory and motor function of the nerve and involve application of a small electrical stimulus.
The method used to recruit patients for the study, will adhere to the routine procedure by which patients are referred for nerve conduction studies. This involves the receival of referral forms to the Neurophysiology department of Northampton General Hospital. The specific inclusion criteria will include those patients aged between 18 and 60, referred with symptoms suggestive of ulnar nerve entrapment. The testing will be conducted as it would routinely, within the Neurophysiology Department of Northampton Hospital.
All patients will receive both methods. Method 1 follows our current departmental protocol, while method 2 includes additional non-routine testing.
The waveforms generated in response to the electrical stimulation will be analysed and compared to the departmental protocol, specifying the criteria for abnormality. As such, patient’s results will be graded as either normal or abnormal for each method. For those graded as abnormal, they will be further classified as very mild, mild, moderate or severe.
This will enable the two methods to be compared, to determine whether our current protocol is optimal or needs to be extended to increase the diagnostic sensitivity.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EM/0223
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion