Our Experiences about Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second frequent compression syndrome of the upper extremities after carpal tunnel syndrome. Numbness of the ulnar nerve distribution is the most experienced symptom in the patients. Surgery is necessary for patients whose symptoms persist with nonoperative treatments. We use fascial flap and subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve to treat cubital tunnel syndrome in our clinic. In this study, our aim is to examine and report long-time results of these patients.
METHODS: We retrospectively examined 30 patients who had been operated because of the cubital tunnel syndrome between November 2009 and April 2013 in our clinic.

RESULTS: There were 18 female (60%), and 12 male (40%) patients between the age of 35-67. In 10% of the patients, electrophysiological findings became normal after the postoperative six months. In 60% of the patients, electrophysiological findings became normal after the postoperative 18 months. In 10% of the patients, there were no differences after postoperative 18 months, and in 20% of the patients, electrophysiologic findings reduced from high level to middle level and from middle level to low level after postoperative 18 months.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Fascial flap and subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is a very effective and reliable surgical procedure. It is widely accepted and it has low complication rates.