scholarly journals Incidence of Re-Operation and Subjective Outcome Following in Situ Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve at the Cubital Tunnel

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. GOLDFARB ◽  
M. M. SUTTER ◽  
E. J. MARTENS ◽  
P. R. MANSKE

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the failure rate of in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome as determined by the need for additional surgery. We performed a comprehensive chart review of 56 adult patients who had undergone in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome in 69 extremities with more than 1 year follow-up. The patients completed a comprehensive questionnaire concerning preoperative and postoperative pain, numbness, and weakness. After decompression, symptoms were improved substantially or resolved. Five limbs (7%) with persistent symptoms postoperatively were treated successfully with anterior submuscular transposition. These data suggest that in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve is a reliable treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome and has a low failure rate. The uncommon patient with continued symptoms after decompression can be treated effectively with transposition of the ulnar nerve.

Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-482
Author(s):  
Nicholas Kim ◽  
Ryan Stehr ◽  
Hani S. Matloub ◽  
James R. Sanger

Background: Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common compressive neuropathy of the upper extremity. The anconeus epitrochlearis muscle is an unusual but occasional contributor. We review our experience with this anomalous muscle in elbows with cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of 13 patients noted to have an anconeus epitrochlearis muscle associated with cubital tunnel syndrome. Results: Ten patients had unilateral ulnar neuropathy supported by nerve conduction studies. Three had bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms with 1 of those having normal nerve conduction studies for both elbows. Eight elbows were treated with myotomy of the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle and submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. The other 8 elbows were treated with myotomy of the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle and in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve only. All but 1 patient had either clinical resolution or improvement of symptoms at follow-up ranging from 2 weeks to 1 year after surgery. The 1 patient who had persistent symptoms had received myotomy and in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve only. Conclusions: An anomalous anconeus epitrochlearis occasionally results in compression of the ulnar nerve but is usually an incidental finding. Its contribution to compression neuropathy can be tested intraoperatively by passively ranging the elbow while observing the change in vector and tension of its muscle fibers over the ulnar nerve. Regardless of findings, we recommend myotomy of the muscle and in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve. Submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve may be necessary if there is subluxation.


Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 155894471987315
Author(s):  
Douglas T. Hutchinson ◽  
Ryan Sullivan ◽  
Micah K. Sinclair

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term revision rate of in situ ulnar nerve decompression with anterior subcutaneous transposition surgery for idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter, cohort study compared patients who underwent ulnar nerve surgery with a minimum 5 years of follow-up. The primary outcome studied was the need for revision cubital tunnel surgery. In total, there were 132 cases corresponding to 119 patients. The cohorts were matched for age and comorbidity. Results: The long-term reoperation rate for in situ decompression was 25% compared with 12% for anterior subcutaneous transposition. Seventy-eight percent of revisions of in situ decompression were performed within the first 3 years. Younger age and female sex were identified as independent predictors of need for revision. Conclusions: In the long-term follow-up, in situ decompression is seen to have a statistically significant higher reoperation rate compared with subcutaneous transposition.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 198-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Skouteris ◽  
Sofia Thoma ◽  
Georgios Andritsos ◽  
Nikolaos Tasios ◽  
Praxitelis Praxitelous ◽  
...  

Background: Simultaneous compression of the median and ulnar nerve at the elbow region has not been sufficiently highlighted in the literature. The purposes of the present study are to report our experience regarding this entity, to elucidate the clinical features, and to describe the operative technique and findings as well as the results of simultaneous decompression performed through the same medial incision. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of thirteen elbows in thirteen patients -nine men and four women- with simultaneous compression of the median and ulnar nerve at the elbow region between 2000 and 2011. All were manual workers. Diagnosis was largely based on symptoms, patterns of paresthesia, and specific tests. Surgical decompression of both nerves at the same time was performed through a single anteromedial incision creating large flaps. Results: Patients were followed for a mean of thirty-eight months (range seven to ninety six). Resting pain in the proximal forearm as well as sudden onset of numbness in the ring and little fingers were reported by all patients. Nerve conduction studies were positive only for cubital tunnel syndrome. In all patients symptoms subsided following surgical decompression. At the time of final follow up there is no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Proximal median nerve compression can be seen in association with cubital tunnel syndrome. Careful evaluation of the reported symptoms as well as thorough clinical examination are the keystone of the correct diagnosis. Also, on the basis of this study, we believe that concurrent decompression can be performed through a single medial incision, though extensive dissection may be required.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Gaspar ◽  
Patrick M. Kane ◽  
Dechporn Putthiwara ◽  
Sidney M. Jacoby ◽  
A. Lee Osterman

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 960-971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Schmidt ◽  
Waltraud Kleist Welch-Guerra ◽  
Marc Matthes ◽  
Jörg Baldauf ◽  
Ulf Schminke ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Prospective randomized data for comparison of endoscopic and open decompression methods are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare the long- and short-term results of endoscopic and open decompression in cubital tunnel syndrome. METHODS: In a prospective randomized double-blind study, 54 patients underwent ulnar nerve decompression for 56 cubital tunnel syndromes from October 2008 to April 2011. All patients presented with typical clinical and neurophysiological findings and underwent preoperative nerve ultrasonography. They were randomized for either endoscopic (n = 29) or open (n = 27) surgery. Both patients and the physician performing the follow-up examinations were blinded. The follow-up took place 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The severity of symptoms was measured by McGowan and Dellon Score, and the clinical outcome by modified Bishop Score. Additionally, the neurophysiological data were evaluated. RESULTS: No differences were found regarding clinical or neurophysiological outcome in both early and late follow-up between both groups. Hematomas were more frequent after endoscopic decompression (P = .05). The most frequent constrictions were found at the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) arch and the retrocondylar retinaculum. We found no compressing structures more than 4 cm distal from the sulcus in the endoscopic group. The outcome was classified as “good” or “excellent” in 46 out of 56 patients (82.1%). Eight patients did not improve sufficiently or had a relapse and underwent a second surgery. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic technique showed no additional benefits to open surgery. We could not detect relevant compressions distal to the FCU arch. Therefore, an extensive far distal endoscopic decompression is not routinely required. The open decompression remains the procedure of choice at our institution.


2018 ◽  
Vol Volume 14 ◽  
pp. 69-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingde Kong ◽  
Jiangbo Bai ◽  
Kunlun Yu ◽  
Bing Zhang ◽  
Jichun Zhang ◽  
...  

Neurosurgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 605-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Dützmann ◽  
K. Daniel Martin ◽  
Stephan Sobottka ◽  
Gerhard Marquardt ◽  
Gabriele Schackert ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Both open ulnar nerve decompression and retractor-endoscopic ulnar nerve decompression have been shown to yield good results. However, a comparative evaluation of the techniques is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of open and endoscopic surgery in cubital tunnel syndrome. METHODS: One hundred fourteen patients undergoing open (n = 59) or endoscopic (n = 55) decompression of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome were retrospectively compared. The long- and short-term outcomes were compared with respect to the time until return to full activity and the duration of postoperative pain. Additionally, matched pairs between the 2 groups were chosen for analysis (n = 34). RESULTS: Long-term results in the open vs endoscopic groups were as follows: excellent results, 54.2% vs 56.4%; good results, 23.8% vs 32.7%; fair results, 20.3% vs 9.1%; and poor results, 1.7% vs 1.8%, respectively. For the matched pairs, the results had similar significance levels (P = .84). The times until return to full activity in the open vs the endoscopic groups were as follows: 2 to 7 days, 18.6% vs 76.4%; 7 to 14 days, 55.9% vs 10.9%; and > 14 days, 25.4% vs 12.7% (P < .001 between nonmatched and matched pairs). The durations of postoperative pain in the open vs the endoscopic groups were as follows: 1 to 3 days, 45.8% vs 67.3%; 3 to 10 days, 42.5% vs 25.4%; and > 10 days, 11.7% vs 7.3% (P =.04 for nonmatched and P = .05 for matched pairs). CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences in long-term outcomes after open and retractor-endoscopic in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel syndrome. The short-term results are significantly better in endoscopic surgery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Jakub Jačisko ◽  
Karolína Sobotová ◽  
Kamal Mezian

This case presents the utility of ultrasound examination in diagnostics, providing accurate therapy and follow-up of entrapment syndrome of the ulnar nerve, caused by heterotopic ossification. The heterotopic ossifications were in this case presumably linked to a long-term working with a vibration sander.


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