title: Simple decompression or subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nabhan
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahlhelm
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kelm
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Reith
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schwerdtfeger
authors.forename: W I
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Steudel
mesh_terms: D020430:Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000601:surgery*