Surgery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Comparative Study of Small Incision with Classic Anterior Nerve Transposition

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of ulnar neuropathy, and cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) surgery via a small incision with that of anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. Materials & Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 108 patients were recruited from the Neurosurgery Department of Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera. Two Groups were made. Group A patients undergo either ulnar nerve anterior transposition or simple decompression via a small skin incision, while Group B patients undergo ulnar nerve subcutaneous anterior transposition through a classic skin incision. Results: Totally 108 patients were enrolled. Males were 67 and females were 41 with a mean age of 45.6 ± 12.97 years. During follow-up visits, an increase in clinical outcome measures was noted, but no statistically significant difference was seen in both groups. Nevertheless, in comparison to the two groups, complications were more in group B, in terms of superficial infection, numbness of skin at the medial elbow, revision surgery, and painful scar. Conclusion: It is concluded that keeping in view the stability/anatomical position of the ulnar nerve to undergo either simple decompression or anterior transposition through small skin incision is effective and an excellent procedure as compared to classic incision procedure in treating patients suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome.