[Long-term results after neurolysis and palmar transposition of the ulnar nerve]

We reviewed 41 patients with 43 proximal ulnar nerve compression syndromes. The usual procedure was neurolysis of the ulnar nerve und subcutaneous transposition. The average follow-up period was 5 1/2 years (15 1/4 years to 3 months). The M/F ratio is 2.4:1. Most of the patients are hard manual workers, the dominant arm is most often affected, and 60% have some form of an injury in their history. About half of the patients followed-up have extensive relief of pain, loss of sensibility and weakness of the hand. But only 8 patients feel to have a perfect result. A few do complain of some tenderness in the scar region, some sensibility loss and a Tinel sign along the anterior route of the transposed nerve. Regaining of strength last months or even years. There is a general tendency to better final results in younger patients.