Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Ulnar Nerve in Individuals With and Without Generalized Joint Hypermobility

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Ulnar Nerve in Individuals With and Without Generalized Joint Hypermobility

This study will include 30 individuals diagnosed with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) based on the Beighton score and 30 healthy controls without GJH. Participants will undergo Tinel's test and the flexion-compression test. The presence of ulnar nerve-related symptoms such as pain and numbness will be recorded. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the ulnar nerve will be performed at the level of the medial epicondyle, as well as 2 cm proximal and distal to it. Cross-sectional area and diameter of the ulnar nerve will be measured at each site, repeated three times, and the average will be used. Additionally, ulnar nerve mobility during elbow flexion and extension will be assessed. The nerve will be classified as stable if it remains within the cubital tunnel, subluxated if it moves to the level of the epicondyle, and dislocated if it shifts anterior to the medial epicondyle.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 40 years
• A Beighton score of 4 or higher (indicative of Generalized Joint Hypermobility)
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being under 18 or over 40 years of age
• History of surgery or fracture in the elbow region
• Presence of active infection at the measurement site
• Presence of congenital anomaly in the upper extremity
• History of surgery involving neural structures in the upper extremity
• Presence of malignancy
• Pregnancy
• Presence of cognitive or psychiatric disorders