The nerve most likely to be injured in fractures of the medial epicondyle is?

Fractures of the medial epicondyle of the humerus are closely associated with injury to the ulnar nerve due to its anatomical course. The ulnar nerve runs posterior to the medial epicondyle and is susceptible to damage when a fracture occurs in this area. Given that the medial epicondyle is a bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow, any fracture could lead to swelling, displacement of bone fragments, or direct trauma that places the ulnar nerve at risk.

The clinical implications of ulnar nerve injury include symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, and potentially weakness in grip strength. Understanding the relationship between bone anatomy and nerve pathways helps in diagnosing and managing potential nerve injuries following elbow fractures. The distinct vulnerability of the ulnar nerve in this context underscores why it is the correct answer to the question regarding which nerve is most likely to be injured in such cases.