Abstract
We have performed minimal medial epicondylectomy for cubital tunnel syndrome since
1990 to preserve the anterior medial collateral ligament. In this study we compared
surgical outcomes between partial medial epicondylectomy (14 patients) and minimal
medial epicondylectomy (18 patients) combined with ulnar nerve decompression for the
treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Mean preoperative Yasutake scores were 57 ±
17 points (±SD) in the partial epicondylectomy group and 60 ± 15 points in the minimal
medial epicondylectomy group. The postoperative scores were 79 ± 19 points and 87
± 10 points, respectively. Both groups had significant improvement in their Yasutake
scores following medial epicondylectomy. Similar improvements in motor conduction
velocity were observed. There was no significant difference in improvement of either
the Yasutake scores or the motor conduction velocity between the 2 groups. Valgus
instability of the elbow was significantly greater in the partial epicondylectomy
group. We therefore conclude that minimal medial epicondylectomy combined with ulnar
nerve decompression is an effective treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome and that
a larger excision of the medial epicondyle should be avoided. (J Hand Surg 2000;25A:1043-1050.
Copyright © 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 12,
2000
Received:
February 12,
1999
Footnotes
*No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
**Reprint requests: Koichi Nemoto, MD, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Namiki 3-2, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan.
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
