Decompression of the ulnar nerve and minimal medial epicondylectomy with a small incision for cubital tunnel syndrome: comparison with anterior subcutaneous transposition of the nerve.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to compare the results of ulnar nerve decompression and minimal medial epicondylectomy with a small incision (group I) and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve (group II) for cubital tunnel syndrome. Out of 56 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, 29 were in group I and 27 were in group II. The mean age at the time of the operation was 48.9 years, and the mean follow-up period was 36.4 months. Preoperatively, the neuropathy was graded according to Dellon's criteria. There were no significant differences between the results of the two groups according to the modified Bishop's system at the last follow-up. However, four patients showed painful neuroma around the operation scar and one patient in group II had experienced acute deterioration of the symptoms after the procedure. Decompression and minimal medial epicondylectomy with a small incision seems to be more recommendable than anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome in terms of its simplicity and lesser invasiveness.