Which is Worse?• A lesion of the ulnar nerveproximal to the elbow, orat the wrist?

A lesion of the ulnar nerve proximal to the elbow is generally considered worse than a lesion at the wrist. Here's why:

1. The ulnar nerve provides sensation to the little finger and half of the ring finger, and controls most of the small muscles in the hand that help with fine movements, and some of the bigger muscles that help with grip.

2. If the ulnar nerve is damaged at the elbow, all the functions supplied by the ulnar nerve distal to the elbow (i.e., everything downstream of the elbow) could be affected. This includes all the sensory and motor functions in the hand and forearm that the ulnar nerve controls.

3. On the other hand, if the ulnar nerve is damaged at the wrist, only the functions supplied by the ulnar nerve distal to the wrist could be affected. This would primarily be some of the sensory and motor functions in the hand.

4. Therefore, a lesion of the ulnar nerve proximal to the elbow could potentially cause more extensive functional loss than a lesion at the wrist.

However, the exact symptoms and severity can vary depending on the specifics of the injury, such as the extent of the damage to the nerve and the speed at which it heals.