Anterior transposition of ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome and use of FCU aponeurotic sling

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the results of subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve in the surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome and to use FCU aponeurotic fascia to retain the position of anteriorly transposed ulnar nerve. Methods: This is a retrospective study, which evaluated 15 patients (5 males, 10 females; mean age: 48 years; range: 26 to 60 years) who underwent subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. Mean follow-up period was 2 years (range: 1 year 2 months to 2 years 6 months). Modified McGowan's classification was used for preoperative scoring and the Wilson & Krout classification for postoperative clinical evaluation. Preoperatively 2 patients (13%) had Grade 1, 3 (20%) had Grade 2A, 4 (27%) had Grade 2B, and 6 (40%) had Grade 3 neuropathy. Results: There were excellent results in 10 patients (66%), good in 4 (26%) and fair in 1patient (7%). There was a negative correlation between the preoperative McGowan grade and the postoperative Wilson & Krout score (p<0.05). The success rate of the operation was significantly lower in patient groups as the time from symptom onset increased (p<0.05). There were no complications. Conclusion: Subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is an effective and reliable surgical method with a low complication rate for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.