title: Distal medial epicondylectomy. A modification of partial medial epicondylectomy for cubital tunnel syndrome: preliminary results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The medial epicondyle behaves as a fulcrum and a pulley that tethers the ulnar nerve during flexion. Excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle sets the point of contact of the bone with the nerve proximally and decreases the traction effect of the medial epicondyle on the ulnar nerve. In this study, we aim to investigate the surgical and clinical results of excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle in cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cubital tunnel release with excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle was performed in 19 patients. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with clinical examinations, McGowan and Wilson-Krout scores, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and two-point discrimination tests, and grip and pinch strength measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A one-grade improvement in McGowan classification was observed in 79 % of patients and a two-grade improvement in 21 % of patients at the time of the first postoperative examination. At 24 months after surgery, 18 patients reported the Wilson-Krout scores as excellent (95 %). Statistically significant improvements in sensory and motor strength measurements were achieved at all postoperative examinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The objective and subjective outcome measures achieved with distal medial epicondylectomy are comparable with other epicondylectomy techniques. The complication rates seem to be lower than those of total or partial medial epicondylectomy. This procedure is an acceptable and safe alternative for the surgical treatment of CuTS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Kirikkale University School of Medicine, Kirikkale, 71100, Turkey. drmeric@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Meric
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cirpar
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Turker
authors.forename: Cem Seyfi
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ozuak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020430:Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D055815:Young Adult