[Is intraoperative luxation of the ulnar nerve a criterion for transposition?].

BACKGROUND

The relevance of subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve in the therapy of cubital tunnel syndrome is still under debate. The aim of this study was to compare the results after decompression to additional transposition in cases of intraoperative luxation.

METHODS

A total of 54 cases after surgery of cubital tunnel syndrome between 2000 and 2006 were analyzed. Nerve transposition was performed in cases of intraoperatively apparent nerve luxation.

RESULTS

Of the patients 12 were treated by decompression alone and 42 by additional subcutaneous transposition. There was no significant difference concerning symptom amelioration, usage properties of the hand, sensation impairment and duration of disability. Force measurements of grip strength and pinch strength revealed no significant differences between either hand in both groups. The 2-point discrimination ability of the 8th to 10th finger nerves was not significantly different between the groups either.

CONCLUSION

Nerve transposition revealed no benefits in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome when performed in cases of intraoperative nerve luxation.