Long term results using a modified King's method for cubital tunnel syndrome

Forty-six elbows in 40 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were evaluated after using a modified King's method. The average postoperative followup period was 79 months. The severity of cubital tunnel syndrome was graded before and after operation by the modified method of Stuffer et al which evaluated the amount of numbness, sensation, muscle strength, and muscle atrophy. The results were positively correlated with the preoperative severity of the disease and the ulnar nerve sulcus angle as measured in the axial view of the elbow. When the amount of the medial epicondylectomy was large, a good result was obtained, but the risk of medial collateral ligament insufficiency increased. Because the results of medial epicondylectomy are inconsistent with stability of the elbow, when doing a modified King's operation, careful repair of the medial collateral ligament is essential to minimize instability of the elbow.