Surgical Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow

Safety and Outcomes of Different Surgical Techniques for Cubital Tunnel Decompression: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy, affecting 6% of the population. Numerous different operations are performed globally to treat it; however, prior conventional (pairwise) meta-analyses have been unable to determine which procedure is associated with the best outcomes and fewest complications.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate which operation for cubital tunnel syndrome is associated with the greatest likelihood of symptomatic cure.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched from database inception to March 2, 2019, with no restrictions on the setting or design of studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Experimental and observational studies directly comparing the outcomes of at least 2 surgical treatments for adults with primary cubital tunnel syndrome were included. Case reports were excluded, and when comparative studies had subgroups with 1 participant, the single-participant subgroup was excluded. The treatments had to be in situ decompression with or without medial epicondylectomy or an anterior subcutaneous, subfascial, intramuscular, or submuscular transposition. The access could be open, minimally invasive, or endoscopic. The comparator could be sham surgery or any operation mentioned earlier.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline and the PRISMA Network Meta-analysis extension statement. Network meta-analysis was used to estimate the relative efficacy and safety associated with interventions using relative risks. Surgical techniques were ranked by their probability of being the best (P score) and interpreted in terms of their clinical impact.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was response to treatment (ie, symptomatic improvement). The secondary outcomes were perioperative complications, reoperation, and recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies of 2894 limbs undergoing 8 different operations were included. Across the studies, 56% of participants were men, the mean (SD) age was 48 (8) years, and patients had symptoms for a mean (SD) of 15 (7) months. Overall, 87% (95% CI, 92%-91%) of patients improved with surgery; all forms of in situ decompression were more effective than any type of transposition procedure; for example, open in situ decompression with epicondylectomy was associated with higher success rates than subcutaneous transposition (relative risk, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.25). Postoperatively, 3% (95% CI, 2%-4%) of patients developed complications, and in situ decompressions were ranked as the least risky, although there was considerable uncertainty in this outcome. Overall, 2% (95% CI, 1%-3%) of patients required reoperation; open in situ decompression was associated with the fewest reoperations; in comparison, submuscular transposition was associated with 5 times the risk of reoperation (relative risk, 5.08; 95% CI, 2.06-12.52). During surveillance, 3% (95% CI, 1%-4%) of patients developed recurrence, and open in situ decompression with epicondylectomy was ranked as the safest operation, although there was uncertainty in the estimates.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this network meta-analysis, open in situ decompression (with or without medial epicondylectomy) appeared to be the safest operation and also was associated with the best outcomes for patients with primary cubital tunnel syndrome. Future research should focus on better defining this disorder and developing core outcome measures.

Anterior Subcutaneous Transposition With Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ASTEP) for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Technical Note

BACKGROUND

Ulnar nerve entrapment neuropathy at the elbow is the most common upper-extremity entrapment neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgical treatment can be complicated by perineural scarring and fibrosis, which may lead to recurrent symptoms. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is a synthetic polymer with antiadhesive properties.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the operative technique and outcomes of anterior subcutaneous transposition with ePTFE (ASTEP) in primary and recurrent cubital tunnel neuropathy.

METHODS

We studied 14 adult patients (11 men, 3 women; mean age, 45 yr) with cubital tunnel neuropathy (10 primary, 4 revision) who underwent surgery with the ASTEP technique between January 2008 and May 2018. Pain, numbness in the fourth/fifth fingers, and weakness of the intrinsic hand muscles were the most common presenting symptoms. Surgical outcomes were assessed using the modified McGowan and Wilson-Krout criteria.

RESULTS

The average (± standard deviation) preoperative symptom duration was 12.1 ± 5.2 mo (McGowan Grade 1, n = 5; Grade 2, n = 6; Grade 3, n = 3). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed with the ASTEP technique. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 9 mo to 7 yr (mean, 4.3 yr). All 14 patients experienced improvement in or complete resolution of their symptoms after this unique intervention.

CONCLUSION

Our novel technique of anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve with ePTFE was safe and highly effective in treating primary and recurrent ulnar nerve entrapment neuropathy at the elbow and represents an alternative to the current techniques.

Reporting Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Comparison between studies assessing outcomes after surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) has proven to be difficult owing to variations in outcome reporting. This study aimed to identify outcomes and outcome measures used to evaluate postoperative results for CuTS.

METHODS

We performed computerized database searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Studies with 20 or more patients aged 18 and older who were undergoing medial epicondylectomy, endoscopic decompression, open simple decompression, or decompression with subcutaneous, submuscular, or intramuscular transposition for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow were included. Outcomes and outcome measures were extracted and tabulated.

RESULTS

Of the 101 studies included, 45 unique outcomes and 31 postoperative outcome measures were identified. These included 7 condition-specific, clinician-reported instruments; 4 condition-specific, clinician-reported instruments; 8 patient-reported, generic instruments; 11 clinician-generated instruments; and one utility measure. Outcome measures were divided into 6 unique domains. Overall, 60% of studies used condition-specific outcome measures. The frequency of any condition-specific outcome measure ranged from 1% to 37% of included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There is marked heterogeneity in outcomes and outcome measures used to assess CuTS. A standardized core outcome set is needed to compare results of various techniques of cubital tunnel decompression.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study builds on the existing literature to support the notion that there is marked heterogeneity in outcomes and outcome measures used to assess CuTS. The authors believe that a future standardized set of core outcomes is needed to limit heterogeneity among studies assessing postoperative outcomes in CuTS to compare these interventions more easily and pool results in the form of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Risk factors for revision cubital tunnel surgery✰

While surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) results in the improvement of pain, paresthesia and restoration of motor function, there is a subset of patients who do not improve after primary surgery and require revision. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for revision after primary CuTS. A retrospective review of patients who underwent revision CuTS after unsuccessful primary surgery from February 1989 to May 2009 was performed. Data regarding patients' demographics, age at primary and revision surgeries, handedness, presenting symptoms and the duration, physical examination, McGowan grading, electrodiagnostic findings and final outcomes were collected. A total of 1239 patients undergoing 1279 cubital tunnel surgeries were identified; of which 17 patients who underwent 18 revision CuTS met our inclusion criteria. Forty-one randomly selected consecutive patients who underwent primary CuTS (control cohort) were compared to identify the risk factors associated with revision CuTS. Younger age at presentation, greater static 2-point discrimination (S2PD) and a history of diabetes were associated with a greater number of revision surgeries. Patients requiring revision for primary CuTS were 8.4 years on average younger, had greater S2PD and were more likely to have diabetes. Pain as a presenting symptom compared to weakness and numbness was also a more common complaint in this cohort of patients. Future larger multicenter prospective studies are recommended.

Ulnar Nerve In Situ Decompression versus Transposition for Idiopathic Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Purpose Evidence for the superiority of in situ simple decompression (SD) versus ulnar nerve transposition (UNT) for cubital tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical improvement, complication rate, and revision rate of SD versus UNT using the available evidence. Materials and Methods We performed a literature search of relevant publications using PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Springer Link. Inclusion criteria included (1) adult patients >18 years of age, (2) idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome, (3) primary comparison studies including both SD versus UNT with discrete data for each procedure, (4) average follow-up of at least 2 months, and (5) a full English language manuscript available. Odds ratios of improvement, complications, and revision surgery after SD compared with UNT were calculated. Data were analyzed using both fixed and random effects models, and studies were assessed for publication bias and heterogeneity. Results A total of 1,511 articles from 1970 to 2017 were identified before inclusion, and exclusion criteria were applied. Ultimately 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and included 2,154 procedures. Of these, 1,040 were SD, and 1,114 were UNT procedures. Study heterogeneity was low. Odds ratios of clinical improvement and revision surgery with SD versus UNT were not significantly different. The odds ratio of complications with SD versus UNT was 0.449 (95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.290-0.695) and 0.469 (95% CI of 0.297-0.738) for fixed and random effect models, respectively. The difference in complications between SD versus UNT was significant ( P < 0.001). Conclusion There is no statistically significant difference in clinical outcomes or rate of revision surgery between SD versus UNT. However, there were significantly more complications with UNT. The current body of evidence regarding cubital tunnel syndrome lacks prospective, randomized, controlled trials, uniform reporting of indications, and standardized outcome scoring.

Ulnar nerve entrapment complicating radial head excision

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The cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by iatrogenic elbow valgus after radial head excision.

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The radial head excision is a good procedure when indicated but must be followed by radial head replacement.

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A neurological examination should be systematically controlled for severe trauma to the elbow.

Introduction

Several mechanisms are involved in ischemia or mechanical compression of ulnar nerve at the elbow.

Presentation of case

We hereby present the case of a road accident victim, who received a radial head excision for an isolated fracture of the radial head and complicated by onset of cubital tunnel syndrome. This outcome could be the consequence of an iatrogenic valgus of the elbow due to excision of the radial head. Hitherto the surgical treatment of choice it is gradually been abandoned due to development of radial head implant arthroplasty. However, this management option is still being performed in some rural centers with low resources.

Discussion

The radial head plays an important role in the stability of the elbow and his iatrogenic deformity can be complicated by cubital tunnel syndrome.

Conclusion

An ulnar nerve release was performed with favorable outcome.

Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. A surgical series and a systematic review of the literature

Chronic compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is the second most common entrapment neuropathy. Various surgical options have been described. Timing of surgery is also debated. In this study we report the long-term results of a consecutive surgical series of anterior subcutaneous transpositions and review the pertinent literature. Sixty consecutive patients underwent anterior subcutaneous transposition at our Institution to treat ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. McGowan scale was used in the neurological exam before surgery. Bishop rating system was used to assess outcome. Seventy-eight% of patients scored good-excellent. None of the patients worsened. No complications and no recurrences were reported. Young age and good pre-operative neurological status (McGowan grade 1) were predictive of favorable outcome both at univariate and at multivariate analysis. No differences in outcome were observed between patients with intermediate (McGowan grade 2) and severe (McGowan grade 3) neuropathy. Thirty-four studies assessing outcome of different surgical techniques were reviewed. Anterior subcutaneous transposition had the lowest recurrence rate with an excellent effectiveness and safety profile. The favorable predictive role for outcome of preoperative neurological status was confirmed. The good long-term clinical results of the present series and the results of literature analysis confirm the value of anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This technique has a particular effectiveness in most severe compressions, where outcomes are comparable with intermediate neuropathy cases. Moreover, our results suggest an aggressive attitude towards ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, particularly in younger patients.

Can We Make Simple In Situ Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow Still Easier?

BACKGROUND

In situ decompression and transposition are equally effective in cubital tunnel syndrome treatment. Both are traditionally performed in the supine position.

OBJECTIVE

To validate our surgical technique for in situ decompression in the lateral decubitus position, comparing results with other techniques used in our institutions.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed from January 2009 to February 2016, of 188 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome 115 males, 73 females; mean age, 53.44 ± 12.12 years standard deviation (range, 18-84 years) treated with in situ decompression in the lateral or supine positions or transposition (subcutaneous or submuscular). The lateral decubitus group received local anesthesia and the remainder received a brachial plexus block. Clinical and electrophysiologic results between these 4 groups were compared.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant demographic differences between groups. Results were better in in situ decompression groups compared with transpositions. Mean follow-up was 1511.1 ± 770.57 days standard deviation (range, 310-4203 days). There were no recurrences or residual elbow pain/dysesthesia/anesthetic scar/hyperesthesia/neuroma in the lateral decubitus group. Complication and recurrence rates were in direct correlation to incision size. The worst results were seen in transpositions, particularly in the submuscular group. In situ decompression in the supine position had better results than transpositions but worse than those performed in lateral decubitus. Smaller surgical wound correlates with a reduction in operating time, costs, complication rates, and time out of work.

CONCLUSIONS

In situ decompression is equally as effective as ulnar nerve transpositions but with fewer complications and recurrences. In the lateral decubitus position, the retroepicondylar tunnel is more accessible, allowing smaller incisions and better results.

Predictors of postoperative outcomes of cubital tunnel syndrome treatments using multiple logistic regression analysis

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study was designed to investigate prognostic factors for postoperative outcomes for cubital tunnel syndrome (CubTS) using multiple logistic regression analysis with a large number of patients.

METHODS

Eighty-three patients with CubTS who underwent surgeries were enrolled. The following potential prognostic factors for disease severity were selected according to previous reports: sex, age, type of surgery, disease duration, body mass index, cervical lesion, presence of diabetes mellitus, Workers' Compensation status, preoperative severity, and preoperative electrodiagnostic testing. Postoperative severity of disease was assessed 2 years after surgery by Messina's criteria which is an outcome measure specifically for CubTS. Bivariate analysis was performed to select candidate prognostic factors for multiple linear regression analyses. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the association between postoperative severity and selected prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Both bivariate and multiple linear regression analysis revealed only preoperative severity as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis, while other factors did not show any significant association.

CONCLUSIONS

Although conflicting results exist regarding prognosis of CubTS, this study supports evidence from previous studies and concludes early surgical intervention portends the most favorable prognosis.

Elbow Imaging in Sport: Sports Imaging Series

Elbow pain is a frequent presenting symptom in athletes, particularly athletes who throw. The elbow can be injured as a result of acute trauma, such as a direct blow or a fall onto an outstretched hand or from chronic microtrauma. In particular, valgus extension overload during the throwing motion can precipitate a cascade of chronic injuries that can be debilitating for both casual and high-performance athletes. Prompt imaging evaluation facilitates accurate diagnosis and appropriate targeted interventions.

Predictors of surgical revision after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to identify factors associated with the need for revision surgery after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

This case-control investigation examined all patients treated at one institution with open in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome between 2006 and 2011. The case patients were 44 failed decompressions that required revision, and the controls were 79 randomly selected patients treated with a single operation. Demographic data and disease-specific data were extracted from the medical records. The rate of revision surgery after in situ decompression was determined from our 5-year experience. A multivariate logistic regression model was used based on univariate testing to determine predictors of revision cubital tunnel surgery.

RESULTS

Revision surgery was required in 19% (44 of 231) of all in situ decompressions performed during the study period. Predictors of revision surgery included a history of elbow fracture or dislocation (odds ratio [OR], 7.1) and McGowan stage I disease (OR, 3.2). Concurrent surgery with in situ decompression was protective against revision surgery (OR, 0.19).

DISCUSSION

The rate of revision cubital tunnel surgery after in situ nerve decompression should be weighed against the benefits of a less invasive procedure compared with transposition. When considering in situ ulnar nerve decompression, prior elbow fracture as well as patients requesting surgery for mild clinically graded disease should be viewed as risk factors for revision surgery. Patient factors often considered relevant to surgical outcomes, including age, sex, body mass index, tobacco use, and diabetes status, were not associated with a greater likelihood of revision cubital tunnel surgery.

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: an evidence-based algorithm

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is the second most common compression neuropathy of the upper extremity and poses a challenge for treating physicians. Lack of a standardized grading system, outcome measures, or surgical indications can make treatment decisions difficult to justify. Conclusions drawn from the available literature include similar rates of good to excellent outcomes for in situ decompression; transposition in the subcutaneous, submuscular, or intramuscular planes; and endoscopic decompression. Outcomes for revision surgery are generally less favorable. Development of standardized outcomes measures will be important in improving the quality and comparability of the literature on this subject.

Comparative study of different surgical transposition methods for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow

This study compared the therapeutic effects of two techniques for surgical decompression treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow: subcutaneous transposition and modified submuscular transposition with Z-lengthening of the pronator teres origin. A total of 278 patients with ulnar nerve entrapment (McGowan grades I - III) were randomly assigned to undergo one of these techniques. All patients were followed-up for 2 years. The effects were assessed by preoperative and postoperative cross-sectional area, motor conduction velocity, sensory conduction velocity and nerve action potential. All of these parameters improved after surgery in both groups. For patients with grade I disease, there were no significant differences between the two techniques. For patients with grade II and III disease, modified submuscular transposition was associated with significantly greater improvements compared with subcutaneous transposition. In conclusion, subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition is recommended for grade I patients and modified submuscular ulnar nerve transposition for grade II and III patients.

Predictors of surgical outcomes following anterior transposition of ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Although cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve entrapment neuropathy, few studies explore potential predictor(s) of surgical outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine which factors affect the postoperative outcome for patients who undertake anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve.

METHODS

We included all studies reporting predictor(s) of clinical, electrophysiological study, or functional outcome after any anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL from 1980 to April 2011 and reference lists of articles. Two reviewers performed study selection, assessment of methodological quality, and data extraction independently of each other.

RESULTS

We assessed 26 studies including 2 randomized controlled trials, 10 cohort studies, and 14 case series. Overall, the methodological quality of the studies ranged from low to moderate. Six aspects of prognosis were sufficiently studied for a narrative evidence synthesis on age, duration of symptom, severity of operative status, preoperative electrodiagnostic testing results, type of surgery, and work compensation status. Evidence was conflicting across studies in terms of both the direction and intensity of the impact of these 6 potential predictors on surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of conflicting results, we were unable to conclude which predictor(s) affect surgical outcomes after anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. Surgeons who are aware of only a limited number of prognostic studies and their limited scope of evidence may not appreciate the extent of the inconsistency about whether factors commonly viewed as prognostic actually have a noteworthy impact on outcomes achieved. Such factors may be identified in the future with higher-quality studies, because limitations in the current research undoubtedly contribute to the controversies observed.

Patient-reported outcome of surgical treatment of nerve entrapments in the proximal forearm

The outcome of decompression for long-standing symptoms of nerve entrapments in the proximal forearm was investigated in a retrospective study of 205 patients using a self-assessment questionnaire, 45 months after the operation. The questionnaire consisted of visual analogue scale recordings of pre- and postoperative pain during rest and activity, questions about remaining symptoms and appreciation of the result and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand form (DASH). Altogether, 59% of the patients were satisfied, 58% considered themselves improved, and 3% as being entirely relieved of all symptoms. Pain decreased significantly (P = 0.001). There was a significant correlation between preoperative duration and patient perceived post-operative pain. Preoperative pain was a chief complaint, and pain reduction appears to be the principal gain of the operation. Although the majority of the patients benefited from the operation, a substantial proportion was not satisfied. There is apparently room for improvement of the diagnostic and surgical methods applied in this study.

Subcutaneous vs Submuscular Ulnar Nerve Transposition in Moderate Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Background:

The surgical treatment of Cubital tunnel syndrome (CubTS) is still a matter of debate. No consensus exists about the necessity of anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve after decompression. However, this technique is fairly common in clinical practice.

Material and Methodology:

In the present study we compared the operative technique (incision length, operative time), postoperative care (postoperative pain and complications) and the outcome between subcutaneous transposition and submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve as two surgical modalities in treating moderate CubTS.

Between March 2004 and March 2007, twenty six patients with moderate CubTS (according to Dellon’s grading system) were stratified according to age and gender into these two surgical techniques. The two groups were prospectively followed up 2 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively by the same observer and the operation outcome was assessed using the Bishop rating system.

Results:

We found that the subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve was associated with shorter incision, shorter operative time, less postoperative pain, less postoperative complication and better outcome compared with the submuscular transposition.

Conclusion:

The authors recommend the subcutaneous technique when considering anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve in treating moderate CubTS.

Simple decompression versus anterior subcutaneous and submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Optimal surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome remains uncertain despite the publication of numerous case series, observational studies, systematic reviews, and, in recent years, randomized controlled studies. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare simple decompression to anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for the treatment of this condition, using comparative trials and randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

Computerized database searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and all relevant surgical archives were performed. Studies involving adults with cubital tunnel syndrome in whom surgical intervention was simple decompression or anterior transposition (subcutaneous or submuscular) were included. Analysis was limited to randomized controlled trials and comparative observational studies. Included studies were assessed for quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias. Odds ratios of clinical improvement comparing simple decompression to anterior transposition (submuscular or subcutaneous) were calculated for each study.

RESULTS

Ten studies involving a total of 449 simple decompressions, 342 subcutaneous transpositions, and 115 submuscular transpositions were included. There was little evidence of publication bias or statistical study heterogeneity. Odds of improvement with simple decompression versus anterior transposition were 0.751, 95% confidence interval (0.542, 1.040). Subanalyses on the basis of transposition technique (subcutaneous or submuscular) and study quality did not render a statistically significant result.

CONCLUSIONS

This report represents the best cumulative evidence to date examining the surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome. In this study, we found no statistically significant difference, but rather a trend toward an improved clinical outcome with transposition of the ulnar nerve as opposed to simple decompression. Additional prospective, randomized studies that use reproducible preoperative and postoperative objective measures might add statistical power to this finding.