scholarly journals Endoscopic cubital tunnel decompression – Review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902098208
Author(s):  
Margaret Woon Man Fok ◽  
Tyson Cobb ◽  
Gregory I Bain

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. Endoscopic cubital tunnel decompression has gained popularity in recent years as this enables surgeons to achieve decompression of the ulnar nerve along its course using a small incision. This article describes the technical peals in performing endoscopic cubital tunnel decompression. In conditions which anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is needed, subcutaneous transposition can be performed under endoscopic guidance. In addition, current literature is reviewed, and outcomes are presented. While short term results are encouraging, further prospective randomized study with longer follow-up is recommended.

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 2513826X1771645
Author(s):  
Stahs Pripotnev ◽  
Colin White

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compression neuropathy of the upper extremity and the most common point of compression for the ulnar nerve. We present a case of ulnar nerve compression neuropathy at the elbow secondary to an abnormal subluxating medial head of triceps. A 37-year-old right hand dominant male presented with a history of bilateral medial elbow pain and ulnar distribution hand numbness. During his left cubital tunnel release surgery, the abnormal anatomy was noted. Initial subfascial anterior transposition was insufficient and had to be revised to a subcutaneous transposition intraoperatively. Failure to recognize the contribution of triceps abnormalities can lead to incomplete resolution following surgery. Surgeons should be wary of uncommon findings and adjust their approach appropriately.


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.


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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian-bing Wang ◽  
Bao-guo Jiang ◽  
Wei Huang ◽  
Pei-xun Zhang ◽  
Zhang Peng ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 866-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yann Philippe Charles ◽  
Bertrand Coulet ◽  
Jean-Claude Rouzaud ◽  
Jean-Pierre Daures ◽  
Michel Chammas

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 451-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taskin Altay ◽  
Kamil Yamak ◽  
Şemmi Koyuncu ◽  
Cemil Kayali ◽  
Serkan Sözkesen

Background. In this study, we aim to evaluate clinical and functional results in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who were treated with subcutaneous anterior transposition vs simple decompression of the ulnar nerve. Material and methods. Fifty-five patients were separated into two groups according to surgical technique. Group 1 comprised 35 patients (23 males, 12 females; mean age, 42.1 years; range, 28–56 years) who underwent anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve, whereas Group 2 included 20 patients (11 males, 9 females; mean age, 47.4 years; range, 25–59 years) who underwent simple decompression of the ulnar nerve. Results. The mean modified Bishop scores were 7.26 and 7.85 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P< .05). The mean Q-DASH scores were 16.94 in Group 1 and 15.80 in Group 2 (P> .05). Postoperatively, paraesthesia regressed in 17 (85.7%) and 30 (85%) patients in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P> .05). Both groups demonstrated improvement in ulnar nerve function in comparison with the preoperative period, and ulnar nerve paralysis was not seen in any of our patients. A postsurgical incision scar developed in six (17.1%) and three patients (15%) in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Conclusion. Both simple decompression and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve are effective and safe for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, so we would favour simple decompression as it is a less extensive procedure.


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.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Gervasio ◽  
Giuseppe Gambardella ◽  
Claudio Zaccone ◽  
Damiano Branca

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The authors report the results of a clinical series of selected patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome. The degree of ulnar nerve compression was evaluated by use of a grading system that includes measurements of motor and sensitive function. The submuscular transposition with flexor-pronator mass Z lengthening was compared with simple decompression through a prospective randomized study. METHODS: From February 1998 to June 2003, 70 patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome were included in this study: 35 patients were submitted to simple decompression (Group A), and 35 patients were treated by anterior deep submuscular transposition (Group B). The preoperative status was determined by use of Dellon's classification. The selected patients had Dellon's Grade 3 (severe syndrome). The mean follow-up period after surgery was 47 months for Group A and 46.94 months for Group B. RESULTS: Postoperative clinical and electrophysiological outcomes were assessed 6 months after surgery in all 70 patients. According to the Bishop scoring system, 19 patients (54.3%) of Group A were clinically graded as excellent, 9 (25.7%) were graded as good, and 7 (20%) were graded as fair; in Group B, 18 patients (51.43%) were graded as excellent, 11 (31.43%) as good, and 6 (17.14%) as fair. Neither severe complications nor recurrences were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to the clinical or the electrophysiological outcome. The surgical treatment gains in Group A and B were 80% and 82.86%, respectively (good to excellent results).


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