Intermediate Elbow Nerve Injury Rehab

Ulnar nerve sensitivity at cubital tunnel less than 3/10 on palpation,Medial elbow tenderness reduced by 30% from initial assessment,Able to perform ulnar nerve glides without radiating symptoms,Wrist flexor strength maintained at 4/5 or greater,No worsening of hand intrinsic muscle function,Tolerance to 10 minutes of elbow immobilization in 90 degrees flexion

→ Advance to: Early Mobility Phase

Full elbow flexion to 140 degrees without pain,Full elbow extension to 0 degrees (or functional limit),Pronation and supination range 70-80 degrees pain-free,Ulnar nerve tension test negative at neutral elbow position,Grip strength within 20% of contralateral side,Tolerance to light functional activities without flare-up

→ Advance to: Strengthening Phase

Flexor-pronator origin strength 4/5 or greater at medial epicondyle,Wrist flexor and ulnar nerve motor function improving,No reproduction of ulnar neuropathy symptoms with resisted exercises,Elbow joint play and cartilage tolerance confirmed,Able to perform activities of daily living without compensation,Progressive resistance exercise tolerance established

→ Advance to: Advanced Strengthening Phase

Lateral epicondyle and medial epicondyle tenderness resolved,Ulnar nerve motor function near baseline for hand intrinsics,Full pain-free range of motion in all planes,Grip strength within 10% of contralateral side,Tolerance to repetitive functional activities,No sensory deficits in ulnar nerve distribution

→ Advance to: Return to Activity Phase

Complete ulnar nerve function restoration,Full return to work and recreational activities,No residual medial or lateral elbow pain,Normal elbow proprioception and joint position sense,Strength 5/5 in flexor-pronator mass and wrist flexors,Patient discharged with home maintenance program

→ Advance to: Discharge