The dependence of age on ulnar nerve conductive study parameter adaptation after compressive ulnar neuropathy operations in the elbow.

BACKGROUND

According to some studies, peripheral nerve injury healing is prolonged in elderly patients. Compressive ulnar neuropathy in the elbow (UNE) is the second most common compressive mononeuropathy. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the effect of age on the postoperative ulnar nerve injury repair rate. Our aim was to evaluate age-related differences in the electrophysiological parameters before and approximately 100 days after operations for cubital tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 103 patients who underwent in situ ulnar nerve decompressions in the elbow. The included patients suffered from paraesthesia and hypoesthesia in their ulnar nerve distribution, hypertrophy, and weakening of the hand muscles, which were innervated by the ulnar nerve. Concurrently, these patients met the EGM diagnostic criteria for UNE. The age dependency on the differences between the preoperative and postoperative parameter values that were measured during the conductive studies was estimated using a regression analysis.

RESULTS

A statistically significant deceleration of the monitored parameter adaptation, which included segmental conduction velocity in the elbow area and CMAP amplitude during the above-elbow stimulation of the ulnar nerve, was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Ulnar nerve injury repair in the cubital tunnel area after a UNE operation proceeds significantly slower in elderly patients.