ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Elbow osteoarthritis with ulnar neuropathy was treated by a modified posteromedial approach, for decompression/transposition of the ulnar nerve and simultaneously with an Outerbridge-Kashiwagi procedure. The clinical result with these operative techniques is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Average age of the patients was 51, which including 9 male and 2 female. There were 8 manual workers and one each of a clerk, a merchant and a house wife. The ulnar neuropathy was evaluated by the McGowan grading; one grade I, 4 grade II and 6 grade III. RESULTS: The ulnar nerve symptoms were relieved in all patients; 3 McGowan grade I, 5 grade II and 3 grade III, postoperatively. The pain subsided in all patients, with the exception of in one. The average range of motion was improved from 22.5-124degrees to 11.5-128.5degrees. CONCLUSION: A modified posteromedial approach is an effective method for both ulnar nerve decompression and the OK procedure, and provides an effective functional outcome.