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Simple Decompression or Subcutaneous Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

From the Department of Neurosurgery (Head: Prof. Dr. W. Steudel), Department of Neuroradiology (Head: Prof. Dr. W. Reith) and Department of Orthopedics (Head: Prof . Dr. D. Kohn), University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany

Correspondence: Dr Frank Ahlhelm, MD, Department of Neuroradiology, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg Germany. Tel.: +49 6841 162 4646; fax: +49 6841 162 4655. E-mail: frah1{at}gmx.de

The purpose of this prospective randomised study was to evaluate which operative technique for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is preferable: subcutaneous anterior transposition or nerve decompression without transposition. This study included 66 patients suffering from pain and/or neurological deficits with clinically and electromyographically proven cubital tunnel syndrome. Thirty-two patients underwent nerve decompression without transposition and 34 underwent subcutaneous transposition of the nerve. Follow-up examinations evaluating pain, motor and sensory deficits as well as motor nerve conduction velocities, were performed 3 and 9 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences between the outcomes of the two groups at either postoperative follow-up examination. We recommend simple decompression of the nerve in cases without deformity of the elbow, as this is the less invasive operative procedure.

Key Words: cubital nerve • nerve conduction velocity • simple decompression • anterior subcutaneous transposition

Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), Vol. 30, No. 5, 521-524 (2005)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsb.2005.05.011


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