Evaluation of anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel syndrome

ABSTRACT

Regarding the frequency of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, varieties of treatment modalities, and ambiguity of anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve method, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure in patients with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome referred to Taleghani hospital in 2004-2007. This study was a case series including all referred patients with definite diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, treated by anterior subcutaneous transposition. Treatment results were measured according to modified Bishop rating system, and were ranked into excellent, good, fair, and poor. Variables such as gender, age < 45 years>, causation, and initial severity, determined by Dellon criteria preoperatively, were analyzed by Fisher's exact test. This study was performed on 26 eligible patients including 29 elbows [38% males and 62% females, with mean age of 44.5 years], with an age range of 23-72 years. In a 12 months follow-up post-operatively, 62% showed excellent, 20.7%good, and 17.3% were reported fair with no poor result. In a 1-12 months follow-up post-operatively, results showed improvement, and initial severity and old age were demonstrated to significantly affect treatment results [p < 0.07]. Our study findings strongly support the concept that anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve is successful in patients with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome; however, further experimental studies are suggested