Use of hand diagrams in screening for ulnar neuropathy: comparison with electrodiagnostic studies.

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to determine whether a hand diagram could be used to predict ulnar mononeuropathy. METHODS This was a prospective study of 117 consecutive patients referred for hand symptoms. Each subject filled out a hand diagram of symptoms and had median and ulnar sensory and motor nerve conduction studies, including ulnar conduction across the elbow. RESULTS The best model for predicting an ulnar mononeuropathy included hand diagram scores of definite or possible. The model had a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 93% with an ROC area of 0.90. CONCLUSIONS The ulnar hand diagram scoring system can be useful as a screening tool in the electrodiagnostic laboratory or for epidemiologic studies.