Arthroscopic ulnar nerve decompression in the setting of elbow osteoarthritis

To present the technique and outcomes of arthroscopic ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow in a series of patients with associated osteoarthritis.

A retrospective chart review identified all patients with symptomatic ulnar compression neuropathy and osteoarthritis at the elbow treated with arthroscopic decompression between March 2002 and June 2007. Information regarding preoperative symptom severity and function, associated arthritis and other disorders of the involved extremity, postoperative symptoms and function, complications, and reoperations were reviewed from the medical record. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months, and data collection included clinical evaluations and survey correspondence.

Thirteen patients (15 elbows) were available for review. The series consisted of patients with an average age of 51 years (range, 20-75 y). All patients had arthroscopic ulnar nerve decompression, osteophyte resection, and capsulectomy during the same procedure. An average postoperative follow-up of 47 months revealed 7 excellent, 5 good, 1 fair, and 2 poor results. Three patients had reoperations because of persistent or recurrent symptoms. These 3 patients had severe (Dellon classification) symptoms including muscular wasting on presentation.

This technique appears to be a useful procedure for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome at the time of elbow arthroscopic debridement arthroplasty. Additional follow-up and prospective comparative studies are indicated to further evaluate this technique.

Therapeutic IV.