Abstract
Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to investigate functional and patient-rated outcome parameters after endoscopic assisted release of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome.
Methods
One hundred of 204 consecutive patients between 2006 and 2011 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Fifty-one of these patients were recruited and evaluated clinically and by questionnaire testing retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 82 months (range: 60–116).
Results
Neurological parameters (two-point-discrimination, application of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, Tinel’s test), grip, and three-point pinch strength were not significantly different from the contralateral extremity at the time of examination, whereas key pinch strength was significantly weaker. Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 20.82. Patients’ overall opinion was good/excellent for 78% of the study population.
Discussion
The examined surgical procedure proved to be as efficacious as open in-situ decompression regarding functional outcome with fewer post-operative complications. Regarding the results it might be postulated that grip strength and three-point pinch strength determination is not necessarily relevant for ulnar nerve evaluation.
Conclusion
Endoscopic assisted release of the ulnar nerve is a reliable and safe treatment option for cubital tunnel syndrome with satisfactory mid-to-long term functional and patient-rated outcomes.
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Spies CK, Unglaub F received honoraria from Richard Wolf GmbH Knittlingen, Germany, for work shops not related to this study. Schäfer M, Bruckner T, Langer M, Müller LP have no conflict of interest.
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All procedures performed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional ethics committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration.
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Spies, C.K., Schäfer, M., Langer, M.F. et al. Functional outcome after endoscopic assisted release of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: mid-to-long term results. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 42, 1331–1337 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-3760-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-3760-y