Anatomical basis and clinical application of "two points" acupotomology surgery program in treating cubital tunnel syndrome / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore an effective acupotomology surgery program in treating cubital tunnel syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to pathogenic factors and elbow anatomy, a "two points" acupotomology surgery program was designed, which could loose the attachment point of arcuate ligament on medial border of olecroanon and medial epicondyle of humerus. Twenty-one cases of cubital tunnel syndrome were treated with acupotmology, then the efficacy was obsered.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After one year postoperative visit, 21 patients with ulnar nerve area skin numbness were cured, claw hand deformity and medial hand muscle atrophy recovered significantly. Results of function evaluation were excellent in 17 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 0 cases, the good rate was 90.5%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The acupotomology surgery program which could cut the starting and ending points of osborne's ligament and solve the problem of ulnar nerve entrapment is an easy, little-traumatic and effective minimally invasive surgery which also conforms to the anatomical structure.</p>