title: Predictors of functional outcomes after simple decompression for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: a multicenter study by the SUN study group.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify predictors of surgical outcome for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE).
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort followed for 1 year.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients diagnosed with UNE (N=55).
  
  
  METHODS
  All subjects had simple decompression surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary outcome measure was patient-reported outcomes, such as overall hand function through the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Predictors included age, duration of symptoms, disease severity, and motor conduction velocity across the elbow.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple regression models with change in the overall MHQ score as the dependent variable showed that at 3 months postoperative time, patients with <3 months duration of symptoms showed 12 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-23.5) greater improvement in MHQ scores than those with ≥3 months symptom duration. Less than 3 months of symptoms was again associated with 13 points (95% CI, 2.9-24) greater improvement in MHQ scores at 6 months postoperative, but it was no longer associated with better outcomes at 12 months. A worse baseline MHQ score was associated with significant improvement in MHQ scores at 3 months (coefficient, -0.38; 95% CI, -.67 to -.09), and baseline MHQ score was the only significant predictor of 12 month MHQ scores (coefficient, -.40; 95% CI, -.79 to -.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subjects with <3 months of symptoms and worse baseline MHQ scores showed significantly greater improvement in functional outcomes as reported by the MHQ. However, duration of symptoms was only predictive at 3 or 6 months because most patients recovered within 3 to 6 months after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Patricia B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.affiliation: Center for Statistical Consultation and Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: H Myra
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: OrthoCarolina Hand Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Charlotte, NC.
authors.forename: R Glenn
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Gaston
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
authors.forename: Warren C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hammert
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Jeffrey N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Lawton
authors.affiliation: Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, Indianapolis, IN.
authors.forename: Greg A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Merrell
authors.affiliation: Drisko Fee and Parkins Orthopedics, North Kansas City, MO.
authors.forename: Paul F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Nassab
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Lynda J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI. Electronic address: kecchung@med.umich.edu.
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004550:Elbow / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D020424:Ulnar Neuropathies / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Outcome assessment (health care); Rehabilitation