title: Trend of recovery after simple decompression for treatment of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although numerous studies have investigated long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow with simple decompression, no study has evaluated the trend of postoperative recovery. The authors assessed timing of recovery after simple decompression for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.
  
  
  METHODS
  The five-center Surgery of the Ulnar Nerve Study Group prospectively recruited 58 consecutive subjects with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and treated them with simple decompression. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Patient-rated outcomes questionnaires included the Michigan Hand Questionnaire; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; and the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Functional tests used were grip strength, key pinch strength, two-point discrimination, and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing. Postoperative improvement was assessed at each time point to establish the trend of recovery in reaching a plateau.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant patient-reported symptomatic and functional recovery occurred over the first 6 weeks postoperatively as represented by improvements in questionnaire scores. Symptomatic recovery occurred earlier than functional recovery as measured by sensory and strength testing and the work domain of the Michigan Hand Questionnaire. Improvement in patient-reported outcomes continued and reached a plateau at 3 months, whereas measured strength and sensory recovery continued over 12 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The greatest clinical improvement after simple decompression for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, according to questionnaire scores, occurs in the first 6 weeks postoperatively and reaches a plateau by 3 months.
authors.affiliation: Ann Arbor, Mich.; Charlotte, N.C.; Rochester, N.Y.; Indianapolis, Ind.; North Kansas City, Mo.; and Philadelphia, Pa. From the Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System; the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, OrthoCarolina Hand Center; the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center; the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center; Drisko, Fee, and Parkins Orthopedics; and the Department of Radiology, Drexel University College of Medicine.
authors.forename: Aviram M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Giladi
authors.forename: R Glenn
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Gaston
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.forename: Warren C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hammert
authors.forename: Jeffrey N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Lawton
authors.forename: Greg A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Merrell
authors.forename: Paul F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Nassab
authors.forename: Jae W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Lynda J S
authors.initials: LJS
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D004550:Elbow; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013997:Time Factors; D020424:Ulnar Neuropathies / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult
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