title: Cubital tunnel release with lift-type endoscopic surgery.
abstract: A new technique of endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow was designed for cubital tunnel syndrome. After three 5 mm incisions were made along the line of the ulnar nerve, the skin and subcutaneous tissue were lifted up using a fine tape to produce a provisional space. An endoscope was inserted through the one incision, and the constricting ligaments and fascia were released using a retrograde knife inserted through the other incision under endoscopic vision. Eight patients were treated using this method, and successful results were achieved. No neurovascular complications occurred, and all pre-operative complaints were resolved within three weeks. Our surgical series indicated an earlier return to work and daily activity due to early healing of incisions and minimal post-operative pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinanomachi 35, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. nakao@sc.itc.med.keio.ac.jp
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nakao
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takayama
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Toyama
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020430:Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*