목적: 망막박리 수술 후 엎드린 자세를 취한 환자에서 척골신경병증 1예를 경험하였기에 보고하고자 한다. 증례요약: 65세 여자환자가 좌안의 시력이상으로 내원하였다. 안저검사상 좌안의 황반부를 침범하지 않은 비측의 열공성 망막박리가 있었다. 유리체절제술, 공막두르기 및 가스주입술을 시행하고 수술 후 엎드린 자세를 취하였다. 술 후 5일 째 환자는 좌측 4, 5번째 손가락의 감각이상과 저림을 호소하였다. 근전도검사에서 좌측 척골신경병증에 해당하는 이상소견이 있었다. 6개월 관찰하는 동안 호전되지 않았다. 결론: 망막 수술 후 엎드린 자세를 취하는 경우 5일만에도 척골신경병증이 발생할 수 있으므로 팔꿈치를 구부리는 시간을 줄이고, 팔꿈치에 압력이 덜 가해지도록 교육이 필요하다.

Purpose: To report a case of ulnar neuropathy as an extraocular complication following retinal detachment surgery and facedown positioning. Case summary: A 65-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with decreased visual acuity in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment not involving the macula in the left eye. A vitrectomy with scleral encircling and 18% SF6 gas tamponade was performed. The patient was instructed to assume a face-down position. After 5 days, the patient reported having paresthesia and numbness of the left 4th and 5th fingers. Neurologic exams were performed and the results indicated ulnar neuropathy. There was no improvement in the neurologic symptoms during the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Surgeons performing retinal surgery should caution their patients of ulnar neuropathy when face-down positioning is required. The patients should be instructed to minimize the time spent with their elbows flexed in a stationary position. Additionally, the pressure loaded on the bent elbow should be minimized.

Purpose: To report a case of ulnar neuropathy as an extraocular complication following retinal detachment surgery and facedown positioning. Case summary: A 65-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with decreased visual acuity in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment not involving the macula in the left eye. A vitrectomy with scleral encircling and 18% SF6 gas tamponade was performed. The patient was instructed to assume a face-down position. After 5 days, the patient reported having paresthesia and numbness of the left 4th and 5th fingers. Neurologic exams were performed and the results indicated ulnar neuropathy. There was no improvement in the neurologic symptoms during the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Surgeons performing retinal surgery should caution their patients of ulnar neuropathy when face-down positioning is required. The patients should be instructed to minimize the time spent with their elbows flexed in a stationary position. Additionally, the pressure loaded on the bent elbow should be minimized.