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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Vein wrapping at cubital tunnel for ulnar nerve problems
Zinon T Kokkalis1, Sameer Jain, Dean G Sotereanos
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA.
Autologous saphenous vein wrapping offers a promising solution for recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement in patients with persistent symptoms after multiple surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome presents a significant clinical challenge with variable treatment outcomes.
- Previous surgical interventions often fail to resolve persistent ulnar nerve compression.
- Autologous vein graft wrapping is explored as an alternative for recalcitrant cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of autologous saphenous vein wrapping for recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome.
- To assess patient outcomes following this surgical technique in complex cases.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome underwent saphenous vein wrapping.
- Patients had prior failed surgeries including decompression, medial epicondylectomy, and nerve transposition.
- Both subjective and objective patient evaluations were performed.
Main Results:
- Encouraging clinical results were observed in all 17 patients.
- Significant pain relief was reported by all patients.
- Improvements in grip strength and 2-point discrimination were noted, with no major complications.
Conclusions:
- Autologous saphenous vein wrapping is a technically straightforward procedure with low donor site morbidity.
- The technique effectively provides pain relief and high patient satisfaction for recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome.
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