Asymmetric anterior transposition of ulnar nerve in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Objective To explore the surgical method and clinical efficacy of asymmetric anterior transposition of ulnar nerve in the treatment of moderate and severe cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Asymmetric anterior transposition of ulnar nerve was performed in 48 cases of moderate or severe cubital tunnel syndrome (group A). The postoperative follow-up included the symptoms of pain, sensation, grip, muscle atrophy and the recovery of claw hand. The two-point discrimination of distal finger pulp and the ulnar nerve motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) from 5 cm above the elbow to 5 cm below the elbow were measured before and after the operation. The follow-up results from 114 patients (group B) performed traditional subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve were served as control. The difference of the clinical efficacy between the two methods was statistically analyzed. Results The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 12 to 35 months with an average of 24.8 months. For moderate cubital tunnel syndrome, there was no significant difference between the two kinds of surgical treatment (P>0.05). For severe cubital tunnel syndrome, the differences of the postoperative excellent and good rate, two-point discrimination and MNCV between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion For severe cubital tunnel syndrome, the clinical efficacy of asymmetric anterior transposition of ulnar nerve is better than traditional subcutaneous anterior transposition. Key words: Cubital tunnel syndrome; Treatment outcome; Asymmetric anterior transposition of ulnar nerve