Postvitrectomy Positioning Complicated by Ulnar Nerve Palsy

Purpose: Ulnar nerve palsy is an unusual complication of postvitrectomy positioning.

Method: We report two such cases.

Results: Both patients developed ulnar nerve palsy after maintaining a face-down position for 2 to 4 weeks after vitrectomy with intraocular perfluoro-octane. The neuropathy resolved in one patient after he was instructed to avoid prolonged pressure on his flexed elbows, whereas the other patient ultimately required surgical decompression of the nerve at the elbow.

Conclusion: Ulnar nerve palsy can result from postvitrectomy positioning associated with prolonged direct pressure on the ulnar nerve or compression of the ulnar nerve via flexion of the elbow.