Operative Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Comparison of Medial Epicondylectomy and Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerves

Park, Min Jong; Lee, Seok Je

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of medial epicondylectomy and anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve in patients with primary cubital tunnel syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty patients with primary cubital tunnel syndrome formed the basis of this study. Eighteen patients underwent medial epicondylectomy and twelve patients underwent anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. The mean follow-up period was 35 months. Postoperative clinical results were assessed using Gabel and Amadio's rating scale which evaluats pain, sensory and motor function in four grades. Clinical results were compared between two groups in McGowan grades two and three.
RESULTS
Two excellent, twelve good and six fair results were obtained in patients with McGowan grade II. In McGowan grade III, three were good, six fair and one was poor. No significant difference in the results was observed between two surgical groups.
CONCLUSION
Medial epicondylectomy and anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve showed no difference in results between patients with primary cubital tunnel syndrome. It seems that medial epicondylectomy is more appropriate because of its simplicity during operation and in terms of postoperative management.