Side difference in morphology of the medial humeral epicondyle in context of the ulnar neuropathy of elbow.

The ulnar neuropathy of the elbow (UNE) is the second most common compression neuropathy in the upper extremity. The studies of impact of bone morphology on the origin of the ulnar neuropathy are inconsistent. According to the recently published retrospective analysis of 880 cases of the cubital tunnel syndrome, the incidence of the ulnar neuropathy is more often on the left side, independent of handedness. The theoretical part of this thesis contains a summary of recent literature with an emphasis on the etiology, basics of diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation of the UNE. The experimental part is made of the measurement of ten parameters of humerus bones. The aim of this experiment was to decide whether some of these measures were different compared to the other side. There were statistically significant differences in 4 of 9 crucial parameters, where the right side was bigger than the left side, therefore we believe the influence of bone morphology on the origin of the UNE cannot be excluded. The results may help towards a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of the origin of the UNE and therefore be a valuable starting point for other studies of prevention, diagnosis and therapy of the UNE