[Decompression and anterior transposition of ulnar nerve with inferior ulnar collateral artery for cubital tunnel syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To report the operation method and the clinical effect of decompression and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve with inferior ulnar collateral artery for cubital tunnel syndrome.

METHODS: From September 2005 to May 2006, 25 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome were treated by the method of decompression and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve with inferior ulnar collateral artery. There were 19 males and 6 females with an average of 60 years (20-72 years). The disease course was 2 months to 3 years (mean 6.7 months). The causes were osteoarthritis in 23 cases, cubital tunnel cyst in 1 case and ulnar nerve olisthy in 1 case. According to Pasque grading system for cubital tunnel syndrome, 19 cases were graded as good and 6 cases were graded as poor. Electrophysiological examination showed the motor nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve around the elbow joint was less than 42 m/s.

RESULTS: All wounds healed by first intention and no operative complications and recurrences occurred. All patients were followed up for one year to two and half years (13.9 months on average). According to Pasque grading system for cubital tunnel syndrome, 15 cases were graded as excellent, 9 cases as good and 1 case as fair. The excellent and good rate was 96%, indicating a significant difference compared with the results before operation (P < 0.05). Electrophysiological examination showed the motor nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve around the elbow joint was more than 42 m/s.

CONCLUSION: The method of decompression and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve with inferior ulnar collateral artery is safe and effective for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.