title: Outcomes of rigid night splinting and activity modification in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively analyze, using validated outcome measures, symptom improvement in patients with mild to moderate cubital tunnel syndrome treated with rigid night splinting and activity modifications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen patients (25 extremities) were enrolled prospectively between August 2009 and January 2011 following a diagnosis of idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome. Patients were treated with activity modifications as well as a 3-month course of rigid night splinting maintaining 45° of elbow flexion. Treatment failure was defined as progression to operative management. Outcome measures included patient-reported splinting compliance as well as the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Short Form-12. Follow-up included a standardized physical examination. Subgroup analysis included an examination of the association between splinting success and ulnar nerve hypermobility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four of 25 extremities were available at mean follow-up of 2 years (range, 15-32 mo). Twenty-one of 24 (88%) extremities were successfully treated without surgery. We observed a high compliance rate with the splinting protocol during the 3-month treatment period. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores improved significantly from 29 to 11, Short Form-12 physical component summary score improved significantly from 45 to 54, and Short Form-12 mental component summary score improved significantly from 54 to 62. Average grip strength increased significantly from 32 kg to 35 kg, and ulnar nerve provocative testing resolved in 82% of patients available for follow-up examination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rigid night splinting when combined with activity modification appears to be a successful, well-tolerated, and durable treatment modality in the management of cubital tunnel syndrome. We recommend that patients presenting with mild to moderate symptoms consider initial treatment with activity modification and rigid night splinting for 3 months based on a high likelihood of avoiding surgical intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic II.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors: Chirag M
authors: CM
authors: Shah
authors: Ryan P
authors: RP
authors: Calfee
authors: Richard H
authors: RH
authors: Gelberman
authors: Charles A
authors: CA
authors: Goldfarb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020430:Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013165:Splints; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
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