CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: REVIEW OF 14 ANTERIOR SUBCUTANEOUS TRANSPOSITIONS OF THE VASCULARIZED ULNAR NERVE

Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is widely implemented for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. However, preservation of the extrinsic blood supply of the ulnar nerve may result in better clinical outcomes. Fourteen patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, 11 men and 3 women, were treated by anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. The extrinsic blood supply of the ulnar nerve was preserved. The average age at the time of operation was 33 years. The average follow-up period was 44 months. Post-operative outcome assessment by an independent examiner was based on the modified Bishop rating system. Nine patients had excellent or good outcomes. Five patients had a fair outcome. There were no complications or recurrence of symptoms. Anterior subcutaneous transposition of the vascularized ulnar nerve is an effective method of surgical treatment for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.