title: Incidence of re-operation and subjective outcome following in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. goldfarbc@wudosis.wustl.edu
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Goldfarb
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Sutter
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Martens
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Manske