Hand-arm vibration exposure and outcomes after cubital tunnel surgery.

BACKGROUND

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common upper limb compressive neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Occupational hand-arm vibration exposure (HAV) has been linked to peripheral nerve compression, though a causal relationship remains unproven. Prior studies have shown that vibration exposure negatively affects outcomes following carpal tunnel surgery, but its impact on cubital tunnel surgery outcomes remains unclear.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of previous HAV exposure on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following cubital tunnel release. Secondary aims included assessing differences in complication rates and satisfaction between HAV-exposed and non-exposed patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study examining patients undergoing cubital tunnel release between 2013 and 2019. Patients completed PROMs questionnaires pre-operatively and at a minimum of 1-year post-operatively. Outcomes included the QuickDASH, Normal Hand Score and satisfaction.

RESULTS

During the study period, 162 patients underwent cubital tunnel release. Complete paired outcomes were available for 120 patients (74%). Of the 120 patients, 25 (21%) reported previous HAV exposure. Both groups showed significant improvement in QuickDASH scores post-operatively (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between groups in pre-operative or post-operative QuickDASH scores, overall PROMs improvement, satisfaction rates, or complication rates. The only statistically significant difference was a worse pre-operative Normal Hand Score in the HAV-exposed group.

CONCLUSIONS

HAV exposure did not significantly impact outcomes following cubital tunnel release. These findings suggest that HAV-exposed patients can expect comparable surgical results to non-exposed individuals. Further research with larger HAV-exposed cohorts may better clarify subtle differences in outcomes.