Anterior subcutaneous transposition versus anterior subfascial transposition of the ulnar nerve in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical effects of anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior subfascial transposition of the ulnar nerve in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods A total of 37 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. 18 cases were treated with subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve, and 19 cases with anterior transposition of ulnar nerve. The scores of sensory deficits in the ulnar nerve innervation area, the intrinsic muscle strength, claw deformity and ulnar nerve conduction velocity were compared between the two groups. Results Postoperative follow-up period ranged from 6 to 18 months. There was no significant difference between anterior subcutaneous and anterior subfascial transposition of the ulnar nerve. The clinical effects of patients with moderate cubital tunnel syndrome treated by the two anterior transposition operations were much better than that of patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome. Conclusion There was no difference between the two methods of anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior subfascial transposition. However, the anterior subfascial transposition combines the advantages of anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior submuscular transposition. Cubital tunnel syndrome should be actively intervened after being definitely diagnosed. Key words: Cubital tunnel syndrome; Treatment outcome; Anterior subcutaneous transposition; Anterior subfascial transposition