The authors identified the innervation of the medial humeral epicondyle. Twelve cadaveric dissections demonstrated the source of innervation to be the radial nerve in the axilla, coursing adjacent to the ulnar nerve in the upper arm, traversing distally to lie within or superficial to the medial intermuscular septum, and terminating in the periosteum of the medial humeral epicondyle. In 2 specimens from the same cadaver, a branch from the ulnar nerve in the axilla contributed to this nerve.
The authors infer that the nerve innervating the medial epicondyle might be a factor in recalcitrant elbow pain related to medial epicondylitis, ulnar nerve transposition surgery, and traumatic elbow injuries. They suggested a local anesthetic block into the medial intermuscular septum as a means of determining whether persistent medial epicondylar pain is related to this nerve. While interesting, the study continues to highlight our lack of understanding of the pathophysiology and most effective treatment strategies for epicondylitis.
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Journal of Hand Surgery