The effect of injecting mouse nerve growth factor on the recovery of hand function in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Objective To observe the effectiveness of injecting mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF) on the recovery of hand motor function among patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods A total of 138 patients with moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome were randomly divided into groups designated as A, B and C, each of 46. Twenty micrograms of mNGF was injected daily 1 mm from the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel for the patients of group A and the injection site was moved 1 mm distally everyday along the nerve , but injected intramuscularly for those in group B. Those in group C received 500 μg of mecobalamin injected intramuscularly 3 times a week. The whole intervention consisted of two 4-week phases, with an interval of 2 months. Before and after the intervention, the function of internal hand muscles, hand function recovery rates and any electrophysiological changes in the ulnar nerve were measured and compared between the two groups. Results All of the patients showed significant improvement in hand muscle function and neuroelectrophysiology. The incidence of had muscle atrophy, Tinel′s sign, positiveness in the paper clamping test and claw hand all significantly improved compared with before the treatment in all three groups. The average Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand score in group A after the treatment was significantly higher than the group B and group C averages. The average ulnar nerve conduction velocity, incubation period and amplitude of group A after the treatment were all significantly better than before the treatment and better than the other groups′ averages. After the treatment, the average hand function recovery in group A reached 91%, significantly higher than in groups B (76%) and C (59%). Conclusion Injecting mNGF next to the ulnar nerve is superior to injecting it intramuscularly in promoting the recovery of the ulnar nerve and hand function for patients with moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome. Key words: Cubital tunnel syndrome; Nerve growth factors; Muscle strength; Hand function