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Ulnar nerve decompression at the cubital tunnel.
P R Manske1, R Johnston, D L Pruitt
1Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 1, 1992
Summary
A limited surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow relieved pain and dysesthesia in most patients. This cubital tunnel surgery, involving arcuate ligament incision, showed significant symptom improvement without causing muscle weakness.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Background:
- Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by ulnar nerve compression at the elbow.
- Symptoms include pain, dysesthesia, and potential motor deficits.
- Surgical decompression is a common treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of limited surgical decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome.
- To assess the outcomes of incising the arcuate ligament for ulnar nerve release.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 27 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome underwent limited surgical decompression.
- The procedure involved incising the arcuate ligament to decompress the ulnar nerve.
- Preoperative assessment for muscle weakness or atrophy was performed.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two out of 27 patients (approximately 81%) experienced relief from pain and dysesthesia.
- Intraoperative findings confirmed ulnar nerve compression in 25 patients, evidenced by narrowing, hyperemia, or adhesions.
- No patients exhibited preoperative muscle weakness or atrophy.
Conclusions:
- Limited surgical decompression by incising the arcuate ligament is an effective treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome.
- The procedure successfully relieved subjective symptoms in a majority of patients.
- Further interventions like anterior transposition may offer partial relief in some cases.