Retrospective review of results for cubital tunnel syndrome using anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve

Objective:To evaluate the treatment results for cubital tunnel syndrome with anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve and its related factors Method:From 1995 to 2003,we had treated 34 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome with anterior subcutaneous transposition The cubital tunnel syndrome was divided into mild degree,moderate degree and severe degree according to the Goldberg grading system The treatment results were assessed based on the Lascar grading scale It was classified into four scales:complete recovery(excellent),partial recovery(good),no change(fair)and worse(bad) Meantime,The influence of age,course,etiology,operative findings on prognosis was addressed The recovery processes,including sensory dysfunction,claw fingers,the atrophy of the first dorsal interosseous muscle,the deformity of finger abduction and adduction,were analyzed The scar tenderness at the elbow was also examined Result:There were 15 mild or moderate cases with 100% satisfactory rate,19 severe cases showed only 74% satisfactory results,3 cases had percussion tingling sensation Conclusion:The anterior subcutaneous transposition of unlar nerve is a simple and reliable option in the management of cubital tunnel syndrome The following factors,including relative younger patients,shorter course,mainly sensory dysfunction,were related to the shorter recovery period and better treatment results