title: Cubital compressive neuropathy in the elbow: in situ neurolysis versus anterior transposition - comparative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the results from two of the most commonly used surgical techniques: in situ decompression and subcutaneous transposition. The processes of patients treated surgically in a public university hospital between January 2004 and December 2011 were reviewed. Cases of proximal compression of the nerve, angular deformity of the elbow and systemic diseases associated with non-compressive neuropathy were excluded.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-seven cases were included (96 patients). According to the modified McGowan score, 14.4% of the patients presented grade Ia, 27.8% grade II, 26.8% grade IIb and 30.9% grade III. In situ neurolysis of the cubital was performed in 64 cases and subcutaneous anterior transposition in 33.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the modified Wilson and Knout score, the results were excellent in 49.5%, good in 18.6%, only satisfactory in 17.5% and poor in 14.4%. In comparing the two techniques, we observed similar numbers of excellent and good results. Grades IIb and III were associated with more results that were less satisfactory or poor, independent of the surgical technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both techniques were shown to be efficient and safe for treating cubital tunnel syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aido
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trigueiros
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lemos
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: César
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Silva
keywords: Elbow; Pain; Paresthesia; Ulnar nerve; Ulnar tunnel syndrome