Cubital Tunnel Syndrome After Insertion of a Subdermal Contraceptive Implant

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.82189/spot.59

Keywords:

Contraceptive Agents, Female/adverse effects, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome/etiology, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome/surgery, Foreign‑Body Migration

Abstract

Subdermal contraceptive implants, such as Implanon®, are an effective and reversible option for hormonal contraception. Although generally safe, complications related to their insertion may occur. This case report describes a 39‑year‑old woman who developed cubital tunnel syndrome following implant placement. Imaging studies (ultrasound and computed tomography) revealed incorrect positioning of the device, which was in contact with the ulnar nerve. Surgical intervention was performed to remove the implant and decompress the nerve. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no symptom recurrence was observed after one year. This case highlights the importance of adhering to proper guidelines for implant insertion to prevent neurological injury and underscores the need for qualified healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential complications associated with the procedure. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent permanent damage.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Power J, French R, Cowan F. Subdermal implantable contraceptives versus other forms of reversible contraceptives or other implants as effective methods of preventing pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;2007:C0001326.

Merink O, Fraser IS, d’Arcangues C, WHO Consultation on Implantable Contraceptives for Women. Implantable contraceptives for women. Hum Reprod Update. 2003;9:49-59.

Osman N, Dinh A, Dubert T, Goulier JN. Une nouvelle cause iatrogène d’atteinte du nerf ulnaire au bras: l’implant hormonal contraceptif. A propos de deux cas. Clin Main. 2005;24:181-3. doi: 10.1016/j. main.2005.04.005.

Mourtialon P, Tixier H, Loffroy R, Maillart JC, Calmelet P, Dellinger P, et al. Vascular complication after insertion of a subcutaneous contraceptive implant. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2008;87:1256-8. doi: 10.1080/00016340802484974.

Saeed A, Narayan N, Pandya A. Contraceptive Implant-Related Acute Ulnar Neuropathy: Prompt Diagnosis, Early Referral, and Management. Are Key, Eplasty. 2018;18:e28.

Brown M, Britton J. Neuropathy associated with etomogestrel implant insertion. Contraception. 2012;86:591-3.

Rivers F, Blanciotto A. Contraceptive subcutaneous device migration: what does an orthopaedic surgeon need to know? A case report and literature review. Acta Biomed. 2020;91:238-7. doi: 10.23750/abm.v91i4:S.9498.

Highlights of prescribing information - Implanon® (etomogestrel implant) Consultado em 30/09/2024 Disponível em: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsafda_docs/able/2014/021529s008lb-rev.pdf .

Persaud T, Walling M, Geophegan T, Buckley O, Stunell H, Torreggiani WC. Ultrasound-guided removal of Implanon devices. Eur Radiol. 2008;18:e258-5. doi:10.1007/s00330-008-1055-1

Palomba S, Falbo A, Di Cello A, Materazzo C, Zullo F. Nexplanon: the new implant for long-term contraception. A comprehensive descriptive review. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012;28:710-21. doi:10.3109/09513590.2011.652247

Smith JM, Conwit RA, Blumenthal PD. Ulnar nerve injury associated with removal of Norplant implants. Contraception. 1998;57:99-101.

Christensen JM, Caggiano NM, Giladi AM, Iorio ML. Median Nerve Injury After Removal of Subdermal Implantable Contraceptive. Hand. 2018;13:NPG-NP9. doi: 10.1177/1558944717744335.

Rowlands S, Mansour D, Walling M. Intravascular migration of contraceptive implants: two more cases. Contraception. 2017;95:211-4. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.07.015.

Published

2025-10-08

Issue

Section

Case Report

How to Cite

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome After Insertion of a Subdermal Contraceptive Implant. (2025). Orthopaedic SPOT. https://doi.org/10.82189/spot.59

Similar Articles

1-10 of 25

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.