Modified simple decompression of ulnar nerve in treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.
BACKGROUND
There are two main surgical approaches, simple ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow, and anterior transposition of the nerve in treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Both techniques were reported in literature in details with similar reported success rates. Here, we present a modified simple decompression surgical technique in treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.


METHODS
Fifty eight patients diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome undergoing the presented technique were enrolled. This procedure consisted of ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow and a supplementary procedure of inter-muscular septum transverse cut between triceps and brachialis muscle above the elbow.


RESULTS
Complete sensory recovery was observed in 35 (60.3%) patients, however, mild and occasional sensory symptoms remained in 15 (25.9%), and moderate symptoms persisted in 6 (10.3%) patients. In two patients (3.4%), no sensory improvement was recorded. Post-operatively, muscular hypotrophy improved completely in 5 out of 12 patients (41.7%). However, in the remaining 7 patients (58.3%) with muscular atrophy, motor recovery never took place.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented modified simple decompression technique was shown to be an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome without any complications.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Jamal
J
Gousheh
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ehsan
E
Arasteh
Anterior transposition; Cubital tunnel syndrome; Inter-muscular septum; Simple decompression; Ulnar nerve