Injection Technique for Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Syndrome

Indications and Clinical Considerations

The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle is susceptible to developing myofascial pain syndrome. Such pain most often occurs as a result of repetitive microtrauma to the muscle from activities such as hammering, turning a screwdriver, repeated extending of the hand at the wrist, or other repetitive activities that require ulnar wrist deviation. Blunt trauma to the muscle may also incite extensor carpi ulnaris myofascial pain syndrome.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain syndrome that affects a focal or regional portion of the body. The sine qua non of myofascial pain syndrome is finding myofascial trigger points on physical examination. Although these trigger points generally are localized to the regional part of the body affected, the pain of myofascial pain syndrome often is referred to other anatomic areas. This referred pain often is misdiagnosed or attributed to other organ systems, leading to extensive evaluations and ineffective treatment. Patients with myofascial pain syndrome involving the extensor carpi ulnaris often have primary pain in the forearm referred into the ulnar aspect of the forearm and occasionally into the hand.

The trigger point is the pathognomonic lesion of myofascial pain and is thought to result from microtrauma to the affected muscles. This pathologic lesion is characterized by a local point of exquisite tenderness in affected muscle. Mechanical stimulation of the trigger point by palpation or stretching produces not only intense local pain, but also referred pain. In addition to this local and referred pain, there often is an involuntary withdrawal of the stimulated muscle, called a “jump sign.” This jump sign is also characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome. Patients with extensor carpi ulnaris syndrome will exhibit a trigger point over the superior aspect of the muscle ( Fig. 68.1 ).

Taut bands of muscle fibers often are identified when myofascial trigger points are palpated. In spite of this consistent physical finding in patients with myofascial pain syndrome, the pathophysiology of the myofascial trigger point remains elusive, although many theories have been advanced. Common to all of the theories is the belief that trigger points are a result of microtrauma to the affected muscle. This microtrauma may occur as a single injury to the affected muscle or as a result of repetitive microtrauma or chronic deconditioning of the agonist and antagonist muscle unit.

In addition to muscle trauma, a variety of other factors seem to predispose the patient to develop myofascial pain syndrome. The weekend athlete who subjects his or her body to unaccustomed physical activity may develop myofascial pain syndrome. The poor posture of someone sitting at a computer keyboard or watching television has also been implicated as a predisposing factor to the development of myofascial pain syndrome. Previous injuries may result in abnormal muscle function and predispose the patient to the subsequent development of myofascial pain syndrome. All of these predisposing factors may be intensified if the patient also has poor nutritional status or coexisting psychological or behavioral abnormalities, including chronic stress and depression. The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle seems to be particularly susceptible to stress-induced myofascial pain syndrome.

Stiffness and fatigue often coexist with the pain of myofascial pain syndrome, increasing the functional disability associated with this disease and complicating its treatment. Myofascial pain syndrome may occur as a primary disease state or in conjunction with other painful conditions, including radiculopathy and chronic regional pain syndromes. Psychological or behavioral abnormalities, including depression, frequently coexist with the muscle abnormalities associated with myofascial pain syndrome, and treatment of these must be an integral part of any successful treatment plan.