Ulnarsidan

Ulnarsidan is a anatomical term used in some languages, notably Swedish, to describe the ulnar aspect of an extremity, corresponding to the medial side of the forearm and hand where the ulna bone is located. In English, the equivalent terminology is the ulnar side or ulnar aspect. The term is employed to orient clinical findings, imaging, and physical examination, and it helps distinguish structures on the inner (medial) side of the forearm and hand from those on the radial (outer) side.

Anatomy and location: In the standard anatomical position, the ulnar side of the forearm faces medially. The ulna is the longer, medial bone of the forearm, extending from the elbow to the wrist on the side of the little finger. The ulnar border of the hand forms part of the palm’s medial margin. The ulnar nerve runs near the medial epicondyle at the elbow and passes through the cubital tunnel and, at the wrist, through Guyon’s canal, making the area clinically significant for neuropathies and sensation changes in the little finger and half of the ring finger.

Clinical relevance: Recognition of the ulnarsidan is important in diagnosing injuries such as distal ulna fractures, tendinous strains of the flexor carpi ulnaris, and neuropathies involving the ulnar nerve. Symptoms may include numbness or weakness in intrinsic hand muscles, and palpable tenderness along the medial forearm.

See also: ulna, radius, forearm anatomy, medial side, cubital tunnel, Guyon’s canal.