Medial Epicondylectomy for the Treatment of Cubital Thnnel Syndrome - A Retrospective Comparison with Anterior Subcutaneous Transposition -

주 관 증후군의 수술적 치료-내상과 절제술과 척골 신경 피하 전방 전위술의 결과 비교-

Surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome has been reported according to a wide variety of techniques since the end of the last century. Theses range from simple decompression to various forms of nerve transposition and medial epicondylectomy. However, we could find only few reports which compare the results between different types of operations. The treatment results of medial epicondylectomy and anterior subcutaneous transposition, were analysed retrospectively. From March 1984 to January 1996, a total of 110 patients had operations for cubital tunnel syndrome. Seventy four of them were followed-up for more than one year, and only they were included in this study. Anterior subcutaneous transposition was performed in 26 patients; and medial epicondylectomy in 48 patients. There were 52 males and 22 females, with an average age of 34 years (range, 13 to 75). The average follow-up period was 40 months (range, 12 to 132). Grading system by Gabel and Amadio were used for evaluation of the patients; pain, sensory and motor dysfunction were checked preoperatively and at last follow-up. In 26 patients of anterior subcutaneous transposition, 7 (27%) were graded as excellent, 11 (42%) good, 3 (12%) fair and 5 (19%) poor. In 48 patients of medial epicondylectomy, 16 (34%) were excellent, 27 (56%) good, 3 (6%) fair and 2 (4%) poor. Sixty nine percent were excellent or good in anterior subcutaneous transposition group, while ninty percent in medial epicondylectomy group. This difference was significant statistically (p<0.01 )., From our experiences, we suggest medial epicondylectomy for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, rather than anterior subcutaneous transposition.