Hand-arm vibration exposure and outcomes after cubital tunnel surgery

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common upper limb compressive neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Occupational hand-arm vibration exposure (HAV) has been linked to peripheral nerve compression, though a causal relationship remains unproven. Prior studies have shown that vibration exposure negatively affects outcomes following carpal tunnel surgery, but its impact on cubital tunnel surgery outcomes remains unclear.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of previous HAV exposure on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following cubital tunnel release. Secondary aims included assessing differences in complication rates and satisfaction between HAV-exposed and non-exposed patients.

This was a retrospective cohort study examining patients undergoing cubital tunnel release between 2013 and 2019. Patients completed PROMs questionnaires pre-operatively and at a minimum of 1-year post-operatively. Outcomes included the QuickDASH, Normal Hand Score and satisfaction.

During the study period, 162 patients underwent cubital tunnel release. Complete paired outcomes were available for 120 patients (74%). Of the 120 patients, 25 (21%) reported previous HAV exposure. Both groups showed significant improvement in QuickDASH scores post-operatively (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between groups in pre-operative or post-operative QuickDASH scores, overall PROMs improvement, satisfaction rates, or complication rates. The only statistically significant difference was a worse pre-operative Normal Hand Score in the HAV-exposed group.

HAV exposure did not significantly impact outcomes following cubital tunnel release. These findings suggest that HAV-exposed patients can expect comparable surgical results to non-exposed individuals. Further research with larger HAV-exposed cohorts may better clarify subtle differences in outcomes.