Mini-Open In Situ Cubital Tunnel Release. Issue 4 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samora, Julie Balch; Awan, Hisham M.
• Is Part Of: Techniques in orthopaedics. Volume 31:Issue 4(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: cubital tunnel syndrome -- ulnar nerve compression -- in situ release ulnar nerve; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; 617.47
• DOI: 10.1097/BTO.0000000000000176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-9698

Abstract

Abstract : Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome of the upper extremity. Patients typically present with numbness and paresthesias in the ring and small fingers, elbow pain, and intrinsic weakness. There are several surgical treatment options, including in situ decompression, medial epicondylectomy, subcutaneous transposition, and submuscular transposition. Potential complications include incomplete release, hematoma formation, and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve injury. Recently, many authors have described an endoscopic cubital tunnel release that is performed through a smaller incision, is less invasive, and results in a faster recovery time. We describe a simple mini-open in situ release for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. A 1 cm incision just posterior to the medial epicondyle is made and blunt dissection is utilized. The ulnar nerve is released on its posterior aspect under direct visualization. A Langenbeck retractor and Jameson tenotomy scissors are used to release the nerve proximally. The superficial and deep flexor carpi ulnaris fascia are released distally. This mini-open technique uses a smaller incision than the endoscopic technique, without the added cost of the endoscopic equipment.