Treatment Of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Research Articles

Cost of surgical treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment in Finland, 2011–2015: a registry-based cost description study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cost of surgical treatment for primary ulnar nerve entrapment (UNE) borne by the public sector in Finland.DesignRegistry-based cost description study.SettingPrimary and...

Risk factors and outcomes in 385 cases of ulnar nerve submuscular transposition

Submuscular transposition (SMT) for treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment is commonly performed, however published comparisons of surgical techniques exclude a high proportion of the at-risk population encountered in real world practice. To examine the influence of risk factors on the clinical outcome following SMT we performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent SMT, including patient self-reported outcome and Louisiana State University Medical Centre ulnar nerve grading scale. A total of 403 ulnar nerves were operated, with follow-up data available for 385 cases (359 patients). Risk factors (including smoking, diabetes, previous elbow trauma/pathology, subluxation, workers’ compensation) were reported in 266 of 385 surgeries (69.09%). SMT was the primary procedure in 339 nerves (88.05%), revision procedure in 46 nerves (11.95%). At last follow up 91.05% reported symptomatic improvement. Nerve grade improvement in 71.09% of primary and 67.39% revision surgery (p = 0.605). No significant difference in improvement was identified between demographic and risk categories, except for patient reported improvement in those without peripheral neuropathy (90.59% vs 73.33%, p = 0.027), and those not improved were on average older than those improved (62.94 vs. 55.68 years, p = 0.012). Superficial infection occurred in 2.6% and there were no deep infections. Application of published exclusion criteria would have resulted in exclusion of ½–⅔ of our cohort. SMT in patients with a history of elbow trauma, diabetes, workers compensation, smoking history, nerve subluxation or revision surgery have similar outcomes compared to those without these factors, whilst improved results were observed in younger patients and those without peripheral neuropathy.

Efficacy of shortwave diathermy in ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of shortwave diathermy in treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Design: The study was a double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting, participants: A total of 76 adult patients diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow clinically and electrophysiologically, were randomly assigned into two groups. Patients were evaluated at baseline, after completing treatment and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Physical examination, quick-DASH (disabilities of arm, shoulder, hand) and SF-36 (short form) questionnaires for daily life activities, dynamometer for grip strength, and visual analog scale for pain were used. Intervention: A total of 10 sessions of shortwave diathermy were applied to patients in treatment group as five sessions/week, 2 weeks. Control group was given placebo shortwave diathermy. Both groups were given elbow splints and informed to avoid symptom provoking activities. Main outcome measures: Visual analog scale, grip strength, SF-36, and quick-DASH results. Results: Out of 76 patients, 61 of them completed the study where n = 31 for treatment group and n = 30 for control group. Mean age was 46.18 ± 13.45 years. There were 32 (52.5%) women and 29 (47.5%) men. The p values between groups 3 months after intervention for visual analog scale, quick-DASH, SF-36 questionnaire, and dynamometer were 0.669, 0.277, 0.604, and 0.126, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Application of shortwave diathermy to patients with ulnar nerve neuropathy at the elbow was not associated with any difference in outcome.

Does the Dominant Hand Factor Have an Effect on Postoperative Improvement in the Surgical Treatment of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?

Does the Dominant Hand Factor Have an Effect on Postoperative Improvement in the Surgical Treatment of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?

Management of cubital tunnel syndrome by anterior trans-muscular transposition of the ulnar nerve

BackgroundVarious surgical options are used for the treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. In this study, anterior trans-muscular transposition of the ulnar nerve was used for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.ObjectivesTo evaluate the surgical results of anterior trans-muscular transposition technique for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with particular emphasis on clinical outcome.MethodsForty patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were operated using anterior trans-muscular transposition technique. Patients were classified into post-operative clinical outcome grades according to the Wilson & Krout criteria, and they were followed up by visual analog scale (VAS), the Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, electrophysiological study, and post-operative clinical evaluation.ResultsForty patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who underwent anterior trans-muscular transposition of the ulnar nerve show a significant clinical improvement at 24 months post-surgery regarding visual analog scale (VAS), the Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, electrophysiological study, and the Wilson & Krout grading as 87.5% of the patients recorded excellent and good outcome.ConclusionAnterior transmuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve is a safe and effective treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow.

Outcome and predictors in simple decompression of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow

Objectives: Simple decompression is an accepted surgical treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (UNE). Our purpose was to evaluate the outcome and potential predictors for the outcome after simple decompression in UNE. Methods: All surgically treated UNE cases (from 2004-2008) at our department were studied retrospectively. Out of 285 primary surgeries, 242 primary simple ulnar nerve decompressions were included. Medical records, including electrophysiologic protocols, were reviewed and postoperative outcome was graded: 1) cured/improved and 2) unchanged/worsened symptoms, based on surgeon-evaluated outcome. Results: Of the 242 simple decompressions (122 males and 120 females; median age 50.5 years), 101 cases were students, retired, un-employed, or on a long-term sick-leave and 112 had manual, blue-collar type of careers. 189 cases were cured or improved, while 53 cases had no change in, or even worsened, symptoms. Gender, presence of smoking, or associated diseases did not affect outcome, while a tendency was observed for higher age, a manual occupation and constant symptoms. Out of 196 cases electrophysiologically examined, 155 cases showed signs of ulnar nerve affection (56 reduced conduction velocity; 19 conduction block; 80 axonal degeneration; latter two groups significantly worse outcome). Conclusion: Patients with a preoperatively electrophysiologically diagnosed nerve conduction block or axonal degeneration have higher risk of not being cured or improved after simple decompression in UNE. Older patients, those with a manual profession, and constant symptoms of UNE tend to be less improved after surgery.

Ultrasound-guided surgical treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment: A cadaver study

Several open and endoscopic techniques for the surgical treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) have been described that provide decompression with or without anterior transposition. Based on our experience with US-guided decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome in our department, we developed a similar surgical technique for the decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Using sixteen cadaver upper limbs, we performed decompression of all the structures possibly responsible for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. The structures involved were Struthers’ arcade, the cubital tunnel retinaculum, Osborne's fascia and Amadio-Beckenbaugh's arcade. The procedure was followed by anatomical dissection to confirm complete sectioning of the compressive structures, absence of iatrogenic vascular or nervous injuries and absence of nerve dislocation or instability. There were no remaining compressive structures after the release procedure. There was no iatrogenic damage to the nerves and no nerve dislocation was observed during elbow flexion or extension. In 3.4% cases, a thin superficial layer of one or more of the identified structures remained but these did not appear to compress the nerve based on US imaging. Using ultrasonographic visualization of the nerve and compressive structures is easy. Each procedure can be tailored according to the nerve compression sites. Our cadaveric study shows the feasibility of an US-guided percutaneous surgical release for ulnar nerve entrapment.

Comparative Study of Different Surgical Transposition Methods for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow

This study compared the therapeutic effects of two techniques for surgical decompression treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow: subcutaneous transposition and modified submuscular transposition with Z-lengthening of the pronator teres origin. A total of 278 patients with ulnar nerve entrapment (McGowan grades I - III) were randomly assigned to undergo one of these techniques. All patients were followed-up for 2 years. The effects were assessed by preoperative and postoperative cross-sectional area, motor conduction velocity, sensory conduction velocity and nerve action potential. All of these parameters improved after surgery in both groups. For patients with grade I disease, there were no significant differences between the two techniques. For patients with grade II and III disease, modified submuscular transposition was associated with significantly greater improvements compared with subcutaneous transposition. In conclusion, subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition is recommended for grade I patients and modified submuscular ulnar nerve transposition for grade II and III patients.

Submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve: review of safety, efficacy and correlation with neurophysiological outcome

The surgical management of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow is a controversial topic, with each surgeon believing his/her technique to be the best. The authors routinely perform submuscular transposition (SMT) of the ulnar nerve to treat entrapment neuropathy at the elbow. The aims of this review are (1) to review the results of SMT with respect to safety and complications, (2) to compare the efficacy of SMT with other studies previously published, and (3) to compare the clinical results with the neurophysiological outcome. A retrospective review of patients who underwent SMT for ulnar nerve entrapment between April 2000 and May 2003 was performed. Forty-five ulnar nerves in 44 patients were operated, of which 40 nerves were first time operation (primary group), and 5 nerves had previously undergone a simple decompressive procedure elsewhere (redo group). All patients were graded using the Louisiana State University Medical Centre (LSUMC) system for grading of ulnar nerve entrapment. Pre- and post-operative nerve conduction studies were performed, and these results compared to clinical recovery post-operatively. For the primary group, function improved by one grade in 32.5%, two grades in 37.5% and three grades in 12.5% of patients. There was no change in 17.5%, and no patient deteriorated post-operatively. In the redo group there was improvement of at least one grade in 60% of patients. When clinical improvement was compared with electrophysiological improvement, no clear correlation was demonstrated. Submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve is a safe, effective treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. When performed by trained peripheral nerve surgeons, good results are achievable for both primary and redo surgery.

Surgical Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow

The outcomes of 81 operations were assessed for the treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow performed on 55 males (bilateral operations in one) and 25 females during the period from January 1995 to December 2000. Before operation, neurophysiological examination was performed in all patients. Simple ulnar nerve decompression or anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve (subcutaneous or intramuscular) was performed with or without the operating microscope. Nine patients were lost to follow up. The outcome was excellent or good in 63 of 72 cases, no change in eight cases, and poor in one case. The outcomes of procedures performed with the operating microscope tended to be superior.

Should we divide Osborn's ligament during epicondylectomy and in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve?

Two groups of patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated by neurolysis and medial epicondylectomy. In the first group, the operative procedure consisted solely of dividing Osborn's ligament and fascia but in the second group Osborn's ligament was reinserted after epicondylectomy to avoid dislocation of the nerve. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the level of complete recovery after surgery and the frequency of dislocation of the nerve. Group one: Nineteen patients, with a mean age of 47.7 (15-65), and 52% female, with the dominant hand involved in 63% cases, were treated. According to Mac Gowan's criteria, 32% of the elbows were classified preoperatively as grade I, 52% as grade II and 16% as grade III. Sensory nerve conduction velocity across the elbow was less than 40 m/s in 40% of cases. The mean duration of the disease was longer than 3 years in 16% of cases. Group two: Twenty three patients, with a mean age of 54.1 (33-75), and 56% female, with the dominant hand involved in 56% cases, were treated. According to Mac Gowan's criteria, three 17% of the elbows were classified preoperatively as grade I, 47% as grade II and 34% as grade III. Sensory nerve conduction velocity across the elbow was less than 40 m/s in 60% of cases. The mean duration of the disease was longer than 3 years in 4% of cases. Both groups were evaluated by a surgeon not involved in the treatment by clinical examination and DASH scoring. DASH scoring is correlated with functional recovery, grip strength and Mac Gowan preoperative scoring. In group one, (divided and reinserted ligament) with younger patients, half the incidence of Mac Gowan stage II and a shorter follow up, there were no dislocations, but less complete resolution of preoperative symptoms (68%/82%) and a higher DASH scoring (30.6/24.9). In group two (resected ligament), dislocation of the nerve was noted in 17% of cases. In both groups, pain at the epicondylectomy site was noted in 20% of cases. The chance of complete recovery was inversely related to the age (>50), and to the duration of the disease (>1 year). Surgical treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow remains controversial. None of the presently advocated procedures (simple decompression of the ulnar nerve, medial epicondylectomy or transposition of the ulnar nerve) has proven optimal regarding long-term results. In both groups in this study, neurolysis of ulnar nerve by section of Osborn's ligament and fascia together with medial epicondylectomy proved to be an effective surgical procedure for treating grade I to II ulnar neuropathy. Section of Osborn's ligament without its reattachment is followed by more cases of complete recovery as well as more dislocation of the nerve although the latter elicited no subjective complaints from the patients. DASH scoring is effective in evaluating the recovery.

Differential Localization of Ulnar Nerve Lesions at the Elbow

Electrodiagnostic testing in patients with ulnar nerve palsy attempts to demonstrate that the lesion is localized to the elbow and to differentiate entrapment distal to the epicondyle (cubital tunnel localization) from entrapment across the epicondyle (ulnar groove or epicondylar sulcus localization). This distinction has implications for treatment: Simple surgical release is possible in cubital tunnel compression, whereas surgical treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment in the groove is more problematic. …

Neurolysis combined with the application of a silastic envelope for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow.

Sixty-six patients with ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow underwent neurolysis and the application of a Silastic envelope in an attempt to prevent postoperative scarring and recurrence of symptoms. All patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using a numerical scoring system that included clinical, motor, and sensory evaluation as well as nerve conduction studies. The Silastic material was well tolerated in the 70 cases. The overall 66% score improvement was more closely related to clinical relief (64%) than to improvement in motor conduction velocities (45%). Our 10-year experience indicates that ulnar neurolysis with Silastic envelope interposition is a safe surgical method of treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow.