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Upper Extremity Compressive Neuropathies in the Pediatric and Adolescent Populations

  • Compressive Neuropathies in the Upper Extremity (E Shin, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Although somewhat rare, upper extremity compressive neuropathies can occur in the pediatric and adolescent populations due to various etiologies. Some of the most common conditions seen include thoracic outlet syndrome, supracondylar process syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome with subluxation of the ulnar nerve, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This review will focus on these diagnoses and how to address them in the pediatric and adolescent populations.

Recent Findings

Due to the rarity of upper extremity compressive neuropathies in the pediatric and adolescent populations, substantial advancement in the literature does not routinely occur. However, recent literature has found a difference in the rate of various subtypes of thoracic outlet syndrome in children versus adults. Additionally, cubital tunnel syndrome associated with ulnar nerve subluxation/instability has recently been found to have better outcomes following surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve and transposition than those with stable ulnar nerves.

Summary

In summary, this review provides the most recent knowledge surrounding upper extremity compressive and entrapment neuropathies in the pediatric and adolescent populations.

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  1. Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Casey M. Codd & Joshua M. Abzug

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Compressive Neuropathies in the Upper Extremity

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Video 1

Ulnar nerve subluxation. Note that elbow flexion causes the nerve to subluxate anterior to the medial epicondyle, while elbow extension causes the nerve to reduce into its normal anatomic position, posterior to the medial epicondyle. (Courtesy of Joshua M. Abzug, MD) (MOV 1243 kb)

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Codd, C.M., Abzug, J.M. Upper Extremity Compressive Neuropathies in the Pediatric and Adolescent Populations. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 13, 696–707 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09666-4

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