Korean J Neurotrauma.  2012 Apr;8(1):37-43. 10.13004/kjnt.2012.8.1.37.

Comparative Study between the Conventional Method and Small Skin Incision Method for Simple Decompression of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

• Han SH
• Cho YJ
• Kang SH
• Hwang G
• Heo DH
• Sheen SH

• KMID: 1427681
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/kjnt.2012.8.1.37

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to review the results of two surgical methods of simple decompression for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.
METHODS
Surgical procedure of simple decompression of the ulnar nerve using the conventional method requires a relatively long incision of 6-8 cm. Later with accumulating experience, we performed simple decompression using a skin incision of 2 cm or less. Between November 2005 and July 2010, simple decompression using the conventional method was performed in 10 elbows (Group 1), and simple decompression using the small skin incision method was performed in 10 elbows (Group 2). The surgical outcome was evaluated and the two groups were compared using a modified Bishop scoring system. We also compared the operation time and hospital stay between the two groups.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the outcomes between the two groups using the modified Bishop scoring system (p>0.05). Also, there were no significant differences in the postoperative electrodiagnostic study results between the two groups (p>0.05). However, the operation time and hospital stay were significantly shorter in Group 2 (p<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Both the methods can be recommended for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome due to their advantages including simplicity and safety of the method. However, the small skin incision method is superior to the conventional method due to the shorter operation time and hospital stay.

Keyword

Cubital tunnel syndrome; Simple decompression; Ulnar nerve

MeSH Terms

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Decompression
Elbow
Length of Stay
Lipids
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Skin
Ulnar Nerve
Lipids
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Figure

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  FIGURE 1. Intraoperative finding of simple decompression in left elbow using a long incision shows decompression at the entrapment site.

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  FIGURE 2. A: Skin marking at right elbow for simple decompression of ulnar nerve using a small incision. A 2 cm skin incision made between the medial epicondyle (E) and olecranon (O). B: Intraoperative photograph demonstrating the ulnar nerve and overlying fascial membranes within the cubital tunnel.

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