Risk Factors for Recurrence and Reoperation after Surgical Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Background. Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compression neuropathy in the upper limb. The outcomes of operative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome are predictable to some extent. Ap­proximately 70-80% of patients are satisfied with the good long-term outcomes, but the remaining 20-30% benefits less or even are dissatisfied with the treatment. Moreover, in 7-24% recurrence occurs, or necessity of revision surgery due to lack of improvement after primary operation. The objective of this study was review of the literature identifying factors that affect the risk of recurrence and reoperation after cubital tunnel release. Material and methods. Articles form PubMed and Medline databases were extracted. A total of 8 papers were found meeting the assumed goals of the study. Several other papers were included that examined the impact of single parameters and their results were cited in the descriptive form. Results. The factor that most influenced the increased risk of recurrence and reoperation was younger age of patients at the time of surgery. The effect of other factors such presence of comorbidities, clinical severity and smoking was weaker and less important. Revision rates were low overall across the studies, with few rates of complications. Conclusions. 1. Outcomes of surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome are predictable to some extent, and overall worse than, i.e. after carpal tunnel release. 2. Further investigations of risk factors of suboptimal outcomes or recurrences are important for improvement of treatment outcomes of this condition.