The results of simple decompression of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract

The objective of this study was the retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of simple decompression of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. Twenty nine patients, 19 women and 10 men in a mean age of 52 years, with cubital tunnel syndrome lasting 2-34 months (mean of 11) underwent surgery by simple ulnar nerve decompression. The nerve was explored 8 cm proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle. At the mean of 12 month follow-up, 23 patients (79%) had normal sensation in the ring and little fingers of the affected hand, in 4 (14%) was satisfactory and in 2 (7%) was decreased. Total grip strength of the affected hand was a mean of 30.6 kG (range 15-59) what was a mean of 84% of the power of the healthy hand. A symptom Levine score was a mean of 1.6 (range 1-2.9) indicating mild complaints and functional Levine score was a mean of 1.9 (range 1-3.8) indicating moderate reduction of function. Seventeen patients (59%) were completely free of complaints, whereas 12 (41%) had still parasthesiae in ring and little fingers. Eighteen patients (62%) were fully satisfied from the result of the operation, 7 (24%) partially and in 4 (14%) the surgery failed to improve. Results of this study confirm the effectiveness of simple decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome, however 14% patients in whom operation failed, indicates caution at surgical referral of some patients.