Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 65 of 2017 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 66 of 2017 |
SOP bulletin information for new SOP
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 354.2
- ICD-10-AM Codes: G56.2
Brief description
This SOP covers both entrapment and non-entrapment neuropathy (nerve damage/disease) of the ulnar nerve, in the region of the elbow. It does not cover ulnar entrapment/neuropathy at the wrist.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis is suspected clinically based on symptoms typically involving the 5th finger, the ulnar half of the 4th finger and the intrinsic muscles of the hand on the ulnar side. The symptoms may be weakness, altered sensation, loss of dexterity, and sometimes pain at the elbow and in the medial forearm.
Confirmation of diagnosis requires electrodiagnostic evidence of impaired ulnar nerve conduction across the elbow.
The relevant medical specialist is a neurologist or an orthopaedic surgeon.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow
- Ulnar entrapment neuritis
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Carpal tunnel syndrome*
- Guyon's canal syndrome (wrist)#
- Ulnar tunnel entrapment (wrist)#
* Another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset will be when symptoms of ulnar neuropathy on the affected side first became apparent. If the ulnar neuropathy is bilateral it may be necessary to treat it as two conditions, with separate clinical onsets.
Clinical worsening
The course of the condition is variable. Treatment may be conservative or surgery may be required in some cases. Worsening would be evidenced by worsening clinical symptoms or deterioration evident on electrodiagnostic testing.