title: SUBCUTANEOUS ANTERIOR TRANSPOSITION FOR TREATMENT OF CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: IS THIS METHOD SAFE AND EFFECTIVE?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the results from subcutaneous anterior transposition of the cubital nerve for treating cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS) and the influence of prognostic factors such as preoperative McGowan stage, age and duration of symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  36 patients with CTS who underwent subcutaneous anterior transposition of the cubital nerve between 2006 and 2009 were evaluated after an average follow-up of 28 months. Their mean age was 41.6 years. Nine patients were in McGowan stage I, 18 in stage II and nine in stage III.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant improvement in sensory and motor deficits. 78% of the patients with severe neuropathy improved after surgery. According to the modified Bishop score, 21 patients (58.3%) had excellent results, seven (19.4%) good, six (16.7%) satisfactory and two (5.55%) poor. The satisfaction rate was 86% and 72% of the patients recovered their daily activities without limitations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The severity of neuropathy and preoperative duration of symptoms, but not age, had a negative influence on the outcome. The subcutaneous anterior transposition of the cubital nerve is safe and effective for treating CTS of different degrees of severity. Given the major prognostic factors identified, surgical treatment should be advised as soon as axonal loss has become clinically evident.
authors.affiliation: Complementary Intern, Tâmega and Sousa Hospital Center, Penafiel, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.affiliation: Complementary Intern, Tâmega and Sousa Hospital Center, Penafiel, Portugal.
authors.forename: João Freitas
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Correia
authors.affiliation: Complementary Intern, Tâmega and Sousa Hospital Center, Penafiel, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rui Moura
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Hospital Assistant, Tâmega and Sousa Hospital Center, Penafiel, Portugal.
authors.forename: Jorge Miguel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.affiliation: Hospital Assistant, Tâmega and Sousa Hospital Center, Penafiel, Portugal.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Palheiras
authors.affiliation: Clinic Head/Clinic Director, Tâmega and Sousa Hospital Center, Penafiel, Portugal.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Sousa
keywords: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome; Prognostic; Ulnar Nerve