Vibrotactilometry as a diagnostic tool in ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow

Vibrotactilometry with testing of the thresholds of the vibration sense at seven frequencies between 8-500 Hz in different intensities has been correl ated with nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve to evaluate its diagn ostic power in neuropathies at the elbow. Thirty-nine patients with entrapm ent symptoms were studied. Vibrotactilometry was abnormal in 33 patients (8 5%) and nerve conduction studies were abnormal in 19 (49%). The sensitivity of vibrotactilometry in relation to nerve conduction studies was 89%, and in relation to the patients' symptoms was 85%. We conclude that vibrotactil ometry is a sensitive test that correlates well with the patients' symptoms , while nerve conduction studies are less sensitive (49%) in relation to th e patients' symptoms. Vibrotactilometry in the frequency area of 8-500 Hz i s recommended in the screening of ulnar nerve entrapment. Nerve conduction studies are recommended in clinically doubtful cases to localise the entrap ment to the elbow region.