A 22-year-old cricket bowler presents with elbow pain and a palpable bony fragment medially. X-ray shows a medial epicondyle avulsion. Which nerve is at highest risk from this injury?
- A Anterior interosseous nerve
- B Posterior interosseous nerve (deep branch of radial)
- C Ulnar nerve ✓
- D Medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm
Correct answer: C. Ulnar nerve
Explanation
The ulnar nerve runs in the cubital tunnel immediately posterior to the medial epicondyle and is intimately related to the medial epicondyle. Avulsion fractures of the medial epicondyle — especially when the fragment is incarcerated in the elbow joint (seen with elbow dislocation) — frequently injure the ulnar nerve (motor: intrinsics, sensory: ring and little finger). ORIF is indicated for displaced avulsions and when the fragment is trapped in the joint.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.