Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

For which patient diagnosis would ulnar nerve entrapment be the most likely cause of medial elbow pain?

1. Arthritis

2. Tennis elbow

3. Golfer's elbow

4. Ulnar nerve entrapment

The correct answer is: Ulnar nerve entrapment

Ulnar nerve entrapment is directly associated with symptoms that can manifest as medial elbow pain. This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which travels along the inner aspect of the elbow, becomes compressed or irritated, often due to anatomical factors or repetitive motions. The location of this pain correlates with the path of the ulnar nerve, highlighting its relevance in this situation. The other disorders listed can cause pain in the elbow region but are not primarily related to the ulnar nerve itself. Arthritis typically involves joint degeneration and can lead to generalized pain but does not specifically implicate the ulnar nerve. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) refers to pain on the outer elbow that arises from overuse and strain of the forearm muscles, while golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) involves pain on the inner elbow but is due to the overuse of wrist flexor muscles rather than nerve involvement. Thus, while they may present with elbow pain, they do not specifically involve ulnar nerve entrapment as the causative factor.