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.

OBJECTIVE: In order to assess their late benefits we present the long-term results of a comparison of treating cubital tunnel syndrome with anterior submuscular transposition or simple decompression.

METHODS: Of 40 patients initially recruited to this study 33 were available for long term follow-up. Sixteen patients underwent anterior submuscular transposition (group A); simple decompression was performed in 17 of the patients (group B). The indications for inclusion were a typical clinical presentation confirmed by abnormal nerve conduction studies. The mean duration of the symptoms before operation was 13 months (range 2 to 84 months) in group A and 8.4 months (range 1.5 to 36 months) in group B. All patients were seen 2 months after surgery and at least 3 years later. The mean duration of follow-up was 63.1 month in the first group and 52 months in the second group.

RESULTS: No complications were seen in either group. In the group treated by anterior transposition, ten of 16 patients were completely free of signs and symptoms; slight residual hypesthesia or paresthesia was observed in two patients. Paresis and atrophy was observed in only one person. In the simple decompression group, 11 of 17 patients were completely free of signs and symptoms. In five patients slight residual symptoms were observed; no paresis or atrophy was reported in any of this group.

CONCLUSION: These long-term results show that both surgical techniques have a good outcome. Thus, the less invasive simple decompression should be preferred.