Subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present the mid-to long-term results of subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. The study retrospectively evaluated 33 patients (24 males, 9 females; mean age: 48 years; range: 26 to 59 years) who underwent subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. Mean follow-up period was 4 years 9 months (range: 2 years 6 months to 8 years). Modified McGowan's classification was used for preoperative scoring and the Wilson & Krout classification for postoperative clinical evaluation. Preoperatively 5 patients (15%) had Grade 1, 7 (21%) had Grade 2A, 9 (27%) had Grade 2B, and 12 (36%) had Grade 3 neuropathy. There were excellent results in 24 patients (73%), good in 7 (21%), fair in 1 (3%), and poor in one (3%). The patient with the poor result had developed neuropathy following a crush injury. There was a negative correlation between the preoperative McGowan grade and the postoperative Wilson & Krout score (p<0.05, r=-0.43). The success rate of the operation was significantly lower in patient groups as the time from symptom onset increased (p<0.05). There were no complications. Subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is an effective and reliable surgical method with a low complication rate for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.