Submuscular transposition for the ulnar nerve at the elbow

Forty patients who underwent submuscular transpositions of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (41 operations) were evaluated. A grading system was formulated to compare the preoperative and postoperative condition of each patient with respect to tenderness over the nerve, numbness, paresthesia, and muscle weakness. Thirty-seven of the 41 cases showed an improvement in grade. Of the 34 cases that demonstrated muscle weakness preoperatively, 25 improved following surgery, including five patients who had severe intrinsic muscle weakness with clawing of the ring and little finger. Muscle reattachment following nerve transposition was secure, even in a professional athlete.