Simple decompression of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity. Although many different operative techniques have been introduced, none of them have been proven superior to others. Simple cubital tunnel decompression has numerous advantages, including simplicity and safety. We present our experience of treating cubital tunnel syndrome with simple decompression in 15 patients.


METHODS
According to Dellon's criteria, one patient was classified as grade 1, eight as grade 2, and six as grade 3. Preoperative electrodiagnostic studies were performed in all patients and 7 of them were rechecked postoperatively. Five patients of 15 underwent simple decompression using a small skin incision (2 cm or less).


RESULTS
Preoperative mean value of motor conduction velocity (MCV) within the segment (above the elbow-below the elbow) was 41.8+/-15.2 m/s and this result showed a decrease compared to the result of MCV in the below the elbow-wrist segment (57.8+/-6.9 m/s) with statistical significance (p<0.05). Postoperative mean values of MCV were improved in 6 of 7 patients from 39.8+/-12.1 m/s to 47.8+/-12.1 m/s (p<0.05). After an average follow-up of 4.8+/-5.3 months, 14 patients of 15 (93%) reported good or excellent clinical outcomes according to a modified Bishop scoring system. Five patients who had been treated using a small skin incision achieved good or excellent outcomes. There were no complications, recurrences, or subluxation of the ulnar nerve.


CONCLUSIONS
Simple decompression of the ulnar nerve is an effective and successful minimally invasive technique for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.
Cho
Yong-Jun
YJ
Department of Neurosurgery, Chunchon Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.
Cho
Sung-Min
SM
Sheen
Seung-Hoon
SH
Choi
Jong-Hun
JH
Huh
Dong-Hwa
DH
Song
Joon-Ho
JH