[Effectiveness of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy in treating cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the methods and outcome of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy in treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation. METHODS: Between June 2004 and June 2009, 11 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation were treated with endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy. There were 7 males and 4 females with an average age of 36 years (range, 18-47 years). All cases had numbness in little finger and ring finger. The disease duration varied from 3 to 18 months (7 months on average). Nine cases had atrophy in the first dorsal interosseous muscle and hypothenar muscles. The preoperative electromyography showed that the ulnar nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were slowed down at elbow, which was (27.0 +/- 1.5) m/s. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication occurred. Eleven cases were followed up 6-37 months (19 months on average). All cases had normal sensation after 1 month of operation. The muscle strength was obviously improved in 11 cases after 3 months postoperatively (grade 4 in 7 cases and grade 3-4 in 4 cases). The postoperative electromyography showed that the NCV was obviously improved, which was (43.5 +/- 9.5) m/s, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (P < 0.05). According to Amadio' efficacy appraisal standard, the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: The method of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy has the advantages of safety, convenient manipulation, small incision, and early recovery for cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation.