eMedicine Specialties > Orthopedic Surgery > Elbow
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Follow-up
Updated: Jun 26, 2009
Outcome and Prognosis
In general, every method described results in 85-90% good-to-excellent results.
Bartels et al performed a meta-analysis literature review from 1970-1997 including 3024 patients.76 Irrespective of preoperative status, simple decompression resulted in the best outcome. Subcutaneous and submuscular transposition had the worst outcomes. For severe compression (McGowan grade 3), anterior intramuscular transposition had the best outcome, and simple decompression and submuscular transposition had the next best outcomes.
Heithoff reviewed 14 clinical studies, covering 516 patients, in which a simple decompression was performed for cubital tunnel syndrome. Results were satisfactory in 75-92% of the patients.77
Steiner et al monitored 41 patients with a simple ulnar nerve decompression for an average follow-up period of 2 years.78 Results were good or very good in 89% of the patients; 8% of the patients had no improvement.
Lluch studied 20 patients with an in situ decompression through a transverse incision.79 He noted a 24% incidence of complications from unsightly scarring and injury to the posterior branches of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MACN) in a retrospective review of 22 patients. To avoid this complication, he performed a transverse incision for the in situ decompressions. This allowed easier identification and protection of the nerve branches. In 20 patients, no problems with dysesthesia or amputation neuromas occurred, and a good cosmetic result was obtained.
Heithoff and Millender reviewed 12 clinical studies involving 350 patients in which a medial epicondylectomy was performed for cubital tunnel syndrome. Results were satisfactory in 72-94% of the patients.75
Kaempffe and Farbach reviewed 27 patients with partial medial epicondylectomies who were monitored for an average of 13 months.80 Subjective improvement was noted in 93% of cases. Results were excellent in 8 patients, good in 10 patients, and fair in 8 patients; 1 patient had a poor result.
Seradge examined factors that influence the outcome after a medial epicondylectomy.69 He studied 160 patients over a 10-year period and monitored patients for 3 years postoperatively. Twenty-one patients had a recurrence, defined as a return of symptoms 3 months or longer after surgery. Of these recurrences, 44% occurred in patients in their fourth decade of life. The rate of recurrence was 18% in females and 10% in males. The rate of recurrence was double in patients who did not return to work within 3 months. When concomitant ipsilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was present, the recurrence rate was 17%, versus 9% when carpal tunnel was not present. When concomitant thoracic outlet syndrome was present, the recurrence rate was 20%, versus 9% when concomitant thoracic outlet syndrome was not present. In conclusion, he noted a high recurrence rate after medial epicondylectomy in women of middle age who had ipsilateral carpal tunnel syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome and who did not return towork within 3 months postoperatively.
Seradge also examined the results of medial epicondylectomy in patients on workers' compensation.70 These patients stayed out of work longer, used a longer period of conservative treatment without a positive impact on surgical outcome, had a less favorable surgical result, and had a higher recurrence rate.
Glowacki and Weiss reviewed the results of anterior intramuscular transpositions in patients receiving workers' compensation.81 Patients receiving workers' compensation had a 33% complete resolution of symptoms. In contrast, patients who were not receiving workers' compensation had a 57% complete resolution of symptoms.
Geutjens et al conducted a prospective study of 52 patients, comparing medial epicondylectomy with anterior transposition.82 Better results were found with medial epicondylectomy. More patients were satisfied and more stated they would have the operation again; additionally, fewer patients complained of mild pain in their hand postoperatively. No significant differences were present in motor power or nerve conduction rates at follow-up visits.
Kleinman and Bishop monitored 47 patients after anterior intramuscular transposition for an average of 28 months.83 Results were good or excellent in 87%, with return of normal grip strength and 2-point discrimination. No patient required reoperation.
Similarly, Glowacki and Weiss monitored 45 patients after anterior intramuscular transposition for an average of 15 months and noted resolution or improved symptoms in 87%.81
Asami et al monitored 35 patients for an average of 70-72 months after an anterior intramuscular transposition, with and without preservation of the extrinsic vasculature.84 Nerve conduction velocities and clinical results were better in the group in which extrinsic vessels were preserved. When the extrinsic vessels were sacrificed, 3 excellent, 3 good, 4 fair, and no poor results were obtained. When the extrinsic vessels were preserved, 16 excellent, 12 good, 3 fair, and no poor results were obtained.
Nouhan and Kleinert monitored 33 limbs in 31 patients after an anterior submuscular transposition for an average of 49 months.85 A flexor-pronator z-lengthening technique was performed without internal neurolysis, with 36% excellent, 61% good, and 3% poor results.
Tsujino et al followed 16 patients after cubital tunnel reconstruction for ulnar nerve neuropathy in osteoarthritic elbows.86 A simple decompression with resection of the osteophytes from the retrocondylar groove was performed. Patients were monitored for an average of 36 months. All patients were relieved of their preoperative discomfort and had complete or partial recovery of their motor and sensory function.
Future and Controversies
Endoscopy of nonjoint cavities is widely performed, and endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a popular, although debated, method to release the median nerve at the wrist.87 With this experience, authors have attempted endoscopic cubital tunnel release. Endoscopic release allows local decompression with the ability to decompress the nerve at all potential sites of compression. The possible advantages of this technique include limited invasiveness, reduced complication rates, and quicker rehabilitation.88,89
Tsu-Min Tsai et al performed an endoscopic cubital tunnel release on 85 elbows in 76 patients and monitored them for an average of 32 months; 42% had excellent results, 45% had good results, 11% had fair results, and 2% had poor results.90 These results are comparable to the other decompressive techniques used, which overall result in 85-90% good-to-excellent results.
More on Cubital Tunnel Syndrome |
| Overview: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome |
| Workup: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome |
| Treatment: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome |
Follow-up: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome |
| References |
| Further Reading |
| « Previous Page |
References
Feindel W, Stratford J. The role of the cubital tunnel in tardy ulnar palsy. Can J Surg. Jul 1958;1(4):287-300. [Medline].
Feindel W, Stratford J. Cubital tunnel compression in tardy ulnar palsy. Can Med Assoc J. Mar 1 1958;78(5):351-3. [Medline].
Curtis BF. Traumatic Ulnar Neuritis: Transplantation of the Nerve. J Nerve Ment Dis. 1898;25:580.
Charness ME. Unique upper extremity disorders of musicians. In: Millender, ed. Occupational Disorders of the Upper Extremity. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone;. 1992: 227-52.
McPherson SA, Meals RA. Cubital tunnel syndrome. Orthop Clin North Am. Jan 1992;23(1):111-23. [Medline].
Rettig AC, Ebben JR. Anterior subcutaneous transfer of the ulnar nerve in the athlete. Am J Sports Med. Nov-Dec 1993;21(6):836-9; discussion 839-40. [Medline].
Watchmaker GP, Lee G, Mackinnon SE. Intraneural topography of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel facilitates anterior transposition. J Hand Surg [Am]. Nov 1994;19(6):915-22. [Medline].
Pechan J, Julis I. The pressure measurement in the ulnar nerve. A contribution to the pathophysiology of the cubital tunnel syndrome. J Biomech. Jan 1975;8(1):75-9. [Medline].
Bozentka DJ. Cubital tunnel syndrome pathophysiology. Clin Orthop. Jun 1998;(351):90-4. [Medline].
Dellon AL. Musculotendinous variations about the medial humeral epicondyle. J Hand Surg [Br]. Jun 1986;11(2):175-81. [Medline].
Green JR Jr, Rayan GM. The cubital tunnel: anatomic, histologic, and biomechanical study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Sep-Oct 1999;8(5):466-70. [Medline].
Lundborg G, Dahlin LB. Anatomy, function, and pathophysiology of peripheral nerves and nerve compression. Hand Clin. May 1996;12(2):185-93. [Medline].
Neary D, Earnes R. The pathology of ulnar nerve compression in man. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol. 1975;1:69-88.
Wilgis EF, Murphy R. The significance of longitudinal excursion in peripheral nerves. Hand Clin. Nov 1986;2(4):761-6. [Medline].
Yamaguchi K, Sweet FA, Bindra R. The extraneural and intraneural arterial anatomy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Jan-Feb 1999;8(1):17-21. [Medline].
Childress HM. Recurrent ulnar-nerve dislocation at the elbow. Clin Orthop. May 1975;(108):168-73. [Medline].
Sunderland S. Nerves and nerve injuries. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Churchhill Livingston;1987:728-74.
Sunderland S. Blood supply of the nerves of the upper limb in man. Arch Neurol Psychiatry. 1945;53:91-115.
Sunderland S. In: Nerves and Nerve Injuries. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone;. 1968: 816-28.
Sunderland S, Hughes ES. Metrical and non-metrical features of the muscular branches of the ulnar nerve. J Comp Neurol. 1946;85:113.
Dellon AL, Mackinnon SE. Human ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: clinical, electrical, and morphometric correlations. J Reconstr Microsurg. Apr 1988;4(3):179-84. [Medline].
Szabo RM. Entrapment and compression neuropathies. In: Green D, Hotchkiss R, Pederson W, eds. Green's Operative Hand Surgery. Vol 2. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone;. 1999: 1422-9.
Posner MA. Compressive ulnar neuropathies at the elbow: I. Etiology and diagnosis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Sep-Oct 1998;6(5):282-8. [Medline].
Posner MA. Compressive ulnar neuropathies at the elbow: II. treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Sep-Oct 1998;6(5):289-97. [Medline].
Upton AR, McComas AJ. The double crush in nerve entrapment syndromes. Lancet. Aug 18 1973;2(7825):359-62. [Medline].
McGowan AJ. The results of transposition of the ulnar nerve for traumatic ulnar neuritis. J Bone Joint Surg Br. Aug 1950;32-B(3):293-301. [Medline].
Buehler MJ, Thayer DT. The elbow flexion test. A clinical test for the cubital tunnel syndrome. Clin Orthop. Aug 1988;(233):213-6. [Medline].
Rayan GM, Jensen C, Duke J. Elbow flexion test in the normal population. J Hand Surg [Am]. Jan 1992;17(1):86-9. [Medline].
Boero S, Sénès FM, Catena N. Pediatric cubital tunnel syndrome by anconeus epitrochlearis: A case report. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Sep 29 2008;[Medline].
Yamaguchi K, Sweet FA, Bindra R. The extraosseous and intraosseous arterial anatomy of the adult elbow. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Nov 1997;79(11):1653-62. [Medline].
Boyer M. Simple decompression did not differ from simple decompression plus anterior transposition of the nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Aug 2006;88(8):1893. [Medline].
Gellman H, Campion DS. Modified in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Hand Clin. May 1996;12(2):405-10. [Medline].
Greenwald D, Blum LC 3rd, Adams D, et al. Effective surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome based on provocative clinical testing without electrodiagnostics. Plast Reconstr Surg. Apr 15 2006;117(5):87e-91e. [Medline].
Jones RE, Gauntt C. Medial epicondylectomy for ulnar nerve compression syndrome at the elbow. Clin Orthop. Mar-Apr 1979;(139):174-8. [Medline].
Kuschner SH. Cubital tunnel syndrome. Treatment by medial epicondylectomy. Hand Clin. May 1996;12(2):411-9. [Medline].
Baek GH, Kwon BC, Chung MS. Comparative study between minimal medial epicondylectomy and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Sep-Oct 2006;15(5):609-13. [Medline].
Eisen A. Early diagnosis of ulnar nerve palsy. An electrophysiologic study. Neurology. Mar 1974;24(3):256-62. [Medline].
Kleinman WB. Cubital tunnel syndrome: anterior transposition as a logical approach to complete nerve decompression. J Hand Surg [Am]. Sep 1999;24(5):886-97. [Medline].
Eaton RG, Crowe JF, Parkes JC 3d. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve using a non-compressing fasciodermal sling. J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. Jul 1980;62(5):820-5. [Medline].
Pribyl CR, Robinson B. Use of the medial intermuscular septum as a fascial sling during anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. J Hand Surg [Am]. May 1998;23(3):500-4. [Medline].
Macnicol MF. The results of operation for ulnar neuritis. J Bone Joint Surg [Br]. May 1979;61-B(2):159-64. [Medline].
Janes PC, Mann RJ, Farnworth TK. Submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. Clin Orthop. Jan 1989;(238):225-32. [Medline].
Kerr AT. The brachial plexus of nerves in man; the variations in its formation and branches. Am J Anat. 1918;23:285.
Khoo D, Carmichael SW, Spinner RJ. Ulnar nerve anatomy and compression. Orthop Clin North Am. Apr 1996;27(2):317-38. [Medline].
Spinner M, Kaplan EB. The relationship of the ulnar nerve to the medial intermuscular septum in the arm and its clinical significance. Hand. Oct 1976;8(3):239-42. [Medline].
Spinner M. Nerve decompression. In: The Elbow. 1994:183-206.
O''Driscoll SW, Horii E, Carmichael SW. The cubital tunnel and ulnar neuropathy. J Bone Joint Surg [Br]. Jul 1991;73(4):613-7. [Medline].
Gelberman RH, Yamaguchi K, Hollstien SB. Changes in interstitial pressure and cross-sectional area of the cubital tunnel and of the ulnar nerve with flexion of the elbow. An experimental study in human cadavera. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Apr 1998;80(4):492-501. [Medline].
Lim BH, Toh CL, Wong HP. Cadaveric study on the vascular anatomy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow-a basis for anterior transposition?. Ann Acad Med Singapore. Sep 1992;21(5):689-93. [Medline].
Contreras MG, Warner MA, Charboneau WJ. Anatomy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow: potential relationship of acute ulnar neuropathy to gender differences. Clin Anat. 1998;11(6):372-8. [Medline].
Britz GW, Haynor DR, Kuntz C. Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow: correlation of magnetic resonance imaging, clinical, electrodiagnostic, and intraoperative findings. Neurosurgery. Mar 1996;38(3):458-65; discussion 465. [Medline].
Ozçakar L, Cakar E, Kiralp MZ, Dinçer U. Static and dynamic sonography: a salutary adjunct to electroneuromyography for cubital tunnel syndrome. Surg Neurol. Jan 13 2009;[Medline].
Chiou HJ, Chou YH, Cheng SP. Cubital tunnel syndrome: diagnosis by high-resolution ultrasonography. J Ultrasound Med. Oct 1998;17(10):643-8. [Medline].
Cheng CJ, Mackinnon-Patterson B, Beck JL, Mackinnon SE. Scratch collapse test for evaluation of carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg [Am]. Nov 2008;33(9):1518-24. [Medline].
Dellon AL. Techniques for successful management of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Neurosurg Clin N Am. Jan 1991;2(1):57-73. [Medline].
Dellon AL. Review of treatment results for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. J Hand Surg [Am]. Jul 1989;14(4):688-700. [Medline].
Sailer SM. The role of splinting and rehabilitation in the treatment of carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes. Hand Clin. May 1996;12(2):223-41. [Medline].
Idler RS. General principles of patient evaluation and nonoperative management of cubital syndrome. Hand Clin. May 1996;12(2):397-403. [Medline].
Fernandez E, Pallini R, Lauretti L. Neurosurgery of the peripheral nervous system: cubital tunnel syndrome. Surg Neurol. Jul 1998;50(1):83-5. [Medline].
Folberg CR, Weiss AP, Akelman E. Cubital tunnel syndrome. Part II: Treatment. Orthop Rev. Mar 1994;23(3):233-41. [Medline].
Novak CB, Mackinnon SE. Selection of Operative Procedures for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Hand (N Y). Sep 19 2008;[Medline].
Macadam SA, Gandhi R, Bezuhly M, Lefaivre KA. Simple decompression versus anterior subcutaneous and submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: a meta-analysis. J Hand Surg [Am]. Oct 2008;33(8):1314.e1-12. [Medline].
Charles YP, Coulet B, Rouzaud JC, Daures JP, Chammas M. Comparative clinical outcomes of submuscular and subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am. May-Jun 2009;34(5):866-74. [Medline].
Keiner D, Gaab MR, Schroeder HW, Oertel J. Comparison of the long-term results of anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve or simple decompression in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome--a prospective study. Acta Neurochir (Wien). Apr 2009;151(4):311-5; discussion 316. [Medline].
Masear VR, Meyer RD, Pichora DR. Surgical anatomy of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. J Hand Surg [Am]. Mar 1989;14(2 Pt 1):267-71. [Medline].
Craven PR Jr, Green DP. Cubital tunnel syndrome. Treatment by medial epicondylectomy. J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. Sep 1980;62(6):986-9. [Medline].
Froimson AI, Anouchi YS, Seitz WH Jr. Ulnar nerve decompression with medial epicondylectomy for neuropathy at the elbow. Clin Orthop. Apr 1991;(265):200-6. [Medline].
Dellon AL. Operative technique for submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. Contemp Orthop. 1988;16:17-24.
Seradge H, Owen W. Cubital tunnel release with medial epicondylectomy factors influencing the outcome. J Hand Surg [Am]. May 1998;23(3):483-91. [Medline].
Seradge H. Cubital tunnel release and medial epicondylectomy: effect of timing of mobilization. J Hand Surg [Am]. Sep 1997;22(5):863-6. [Medline].
Weirich SD, Gelberman RH, Best SA. Rehabilitation after subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve: immediate versus delayed mobilization. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. May-Jun 1998;7(3):244-9. [Medline].
Bednar MS, Blair SJ, Light TR. Complications of the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Hand Clin. Feb 1994;10(1):83-92. [Medline].
Jackson LC, Hotchkiss RN. Cubital tunnel surgery. Complications and treatment of failures. Hand Clin. May 1996;12(2):449-56. [Medline].
Broudy AS, Leffert RD, Smith RJ. Technical problems with ulnar nerve transposition at the elbow: findings and results of reoperation. J Hand Surg [Am]. Jan 1978;3(1):85-9. [Medline].
Heithoff SJ, Millender LH, Nalebuff EA. Medial epicondylectomy for the treatment of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. J Hand Surg [Am]. Jan 1990;15(1):22-9. [Medline].
Bartels RH, Menovsky T, Van Overbeeke JJ. Surgical management of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow: an analysis of the literature. J Neurosurg. Nov 1998;89(5):722-7. [Medline].
Heithoff SJ. Cubital tunnel syndrome does not require transposition of the ulnar nerve. J Hand Surg [Am]. Sep 1999;24(5):898-905. [Medline].
Steiner HH, von Haken MS, Steiner-Milz HG. Entrapment neuropathy at the cubital tunnel: simple decompression is the method of choice. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 1996;138(3):308-13. [Medline].
Lluch AL. Release of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow through a transverse incision. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Jan-Feb 1998;7(1):38-42. [Medline].
Kaempffe FA, Farbach J. A modified surgical procedure for cubital tunnel syndrome: partial medial epicondylectomy. J Hand Surg [Am]. May 1998;23(3):492-9. [Medline].
Glowacki KA, Weiss AP. Anterior intramuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Mar-Apr 1997;6(2):89-96. [Medline].
Geutjens GG, Langstaff RJ, Smith NJ. Medial epicondylectomy or ulnar-nerve transposition for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow?. J Bone Joint Surg Br. Sep 1996;78(5):777-9. [Medline].
Kleinman WB, Bishop AT. Anterior intramuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. J Hand Surg [Am]. Nov 1989;14(6):972-9. [Medline].
Asami A, Morisawa K, Tsuruta T. Functional outcome of anterior transposition of the vascularized ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg [Br]. Oct 1998;23(5):613-6. [Medline].
Nouhan R, Kleinert JM. Ulnar nerve decompression by transposing the nerve and Z-lengthening the flexor-pronator mass: clinical outcome. J Hand Surg [Am]. Jan 1997;22(1):127-31. [Medline].
Tsujino A, Itoh Y, Hayashi K. Cubital tunnel reconstruction for ulnar neuropathy in osteoarthritic elbows. J Bone Joint Surg Br. May 1997;79(3):390-3. [Medline].
Merolla G, Staffa G, Paladini P, Campi F, Porcellini G. Endoscopic approach to cubital tunnel syndrome. J Neurosurg Sci. Sep 2008;52(3):93-8. [Medline].
Yoshida A, Okutsu I, Hamanaka I. Endoscopic anatomical nerve observation and minimally invasive management of cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. Oct 20 2008;[Medline].
Mariani PP, Golano P, Adriani E. A cadaveric study of endoscopic decompression of the cubital tunnel. Arthroscopy. Mar 1999;15(2):218-22. [Medline].
Tsai TM, Chen IC, Majd ME. Cubital tunnel release with endoscopic assistance: results of a new technique. J Hand Surg [Am]. Jan 1999;24(1):21-9. [Medline].
Keywords
cubital tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, ulnar nerve, ulnar nerve compression, ulnar nerve neuropathy at the elbow, nerve entrapment syndromes, numb finger, compressive neuropathy
Follow-up: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome