Operative decisions for endoscopic treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Abstract

The authors review the relevant anatomy and provide technical tips for endoscopic decompression of the cubital tunnel. Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve compression syndrome in the upper extremity. Until recently, surgeons focused on open decompression combined with submuscular or subcutaneous transposition of the nerve. Decompression was usually limited to the region of the medial epicondyle, and related morbidity was relatively high. Endoscopic decompression is a promising technique because the dissection range can be extended and the scar length can be reduced. The authors review the relevant anatomy for the endoscopic approach and give some recommendations concerning the details of the surgical technique.