Effect of epicondylectomy in early ulnar neuritis treated with steroids.

Sixty-two ulnar nerves belonging to 44 patients with early neuritis were studied to assess the benefits offered by medial epicondylectomy and external decompression in addition to steroid therapy. The patients were randomly allocated to the surgical or the medical group. In those cases where there was bilateral involvement, surgery was carried out only on one side. All cases were assessed prior to treatment, and at predetermined intervals following treatment. This study presents the results after a 12-month follow-up. There was statistically significant improvement in both groups following treatment as assessed by improvement in motor and sensory functions and in the reduction of pain and tenderness. The study, however, failed to demonstrate any added benefit with surgical intervention as compared to steroid therapy alone in the treatment of early ulnar neuritis.