Applied anatomy of the cubital ulnar nerve and its blood supply

Objective To explore anatomic features of the cubital ulnar nerve and its blood supply,and provide anatomic basis for treating cubital syndrome through anterior transposition of ulnar nerve involving blood supply.Methods ① 30 adult cadaver upper limbs were injected with red latex.The observation and measurement of the ulnar nerve and its blood supply in cubital tunnel were performed;② 6 fresh adult cadaver upper limb specimens were injected with modifed gelatin-lead oxide,followed by the dissociation of ulnar nerve and its vessels to take radiographs for observing vascular anastomosis of ulnar nerve.③ The surgical anterior transposition of ulnar nerve was simulated on 30 adult cadaver upper limb specimen injected with red latex,as well,the range of anterior transposition of ulnar nerve at the tension-free state were measured.Results Ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel was supplied mainly by the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries,and the posterior ulnar recurrent artery.The average length of the vessels accompanying the nerve were 15.7cm,5.0cm and 5.9 cm respectively.The distances from the arterial origin to the medial epicondyle were 15.0cm,4.5cm and 5.0 cm respectively.The antelocation range of the nerve at the tension-free state was 1.8cm averagely.1～2 articular branches and 2～3 muscle branches were given by ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel.Conclusions It is feasible to perform anterior transposition of the vascularized ulnar nerve for treating cubital tunnel syndrome.