Anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve improves neurological function in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome

Although several surgical procedures exist for treating cubital tunnel syndrome, the best surgical option remains controversial. To evaluate the efficacy of anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve in patients with moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome and to analyze prognostic factors, we retrospectively reviewed 62 patients(65 elbows) diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome who underwent anterior subcutaneous transposition. Preoperatively, the initial severity of the disease was evaluated using the Mc Gowan scale as modified by Goldberg: 18 patients(28%) had grade IIA neuropathy, 20(31%) had grade IIB, and 27(42%) had grade III. Postoperatively, according to the Wilson Krout criteria, treatment outcomes were excellent in 38 patients(58%), good in 16(25%), fair in 7(11%), and poor in 4(6%), with an excellent and good rate of 83%. A negative correlation was found between the preoperative Mc Gowan grade and the postoperative Wilson Krout score. The patients having fair and poor treatment outcomes had more advanced age, lower nerve conduction velocity, and lower action potential amplitude compared with those having excellent and good treatment outcomes. These results suggest that anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve is effective and safe for the treatment of moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome, and initial severity, advancing age, and electrophysiological parameters can affect treatment outcome.     

不同类型前置术治疗尺神经肘管卡压综合征

目的 对比不同类型前置术治疗尺神经肘管卡压综合征的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析278例尺神经肘管卡压综合征病人的临床资料,按McGowan法分级后,随机行尺神经皮下前置术(皮下前置术)139例,"Z"字形改良肌下前置术(肌下前置术)139例.检测尺神经横截面积(CSA)、神经运动传导速度(MCV),感觉传导速度(SCV )、神经干动作电位(NAP)变化,比较两种术式的疗效.结果 McGowan Ⅰ级病人,术后 CSA,MCV,SCV,NAP均较术前明显改善(P <0.05),但两种术式间各参数和术后优良率差异均无统计学意义(P > 0.05).McGowan Ⅱ,Ⅲ级病人术后CSA,MCV,SCV,NAP均较术前明显改善(P<0.05),且两种术式间各参数和术后优良率差异均有统计学意义(P <0.05).结论 皮下前置术适于尺神经肘管卡压综合征McGowan Ⅰ级病人,而肌下前置术更适用于McGowan Ⅱ,Ⅲ级病人.     

Ultrasonographic measurements in cubital tunnel syndrome

The cubital tunnel is the most common site of ulnar nerve entrapment. Previous ultrasound studies have demonstrated enlargement of the ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel syndrome but did not report on the cubital tunnel itself. Twenty-two individuals with cubital tunnel syndrome were evaluated with nerve conduction studies and ultrasound. The ultrasound measurement that most strongly correlated with conduction velocity was the ratio of ulnar nerve to cubital tunnel cross-sectional area with the elbow flexed. Measurement of this ratio may improve the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in cubital tunnel syndrome, although further investigation is needed.     

术中神经电生理监测和刺激尺神经治疗肘管综合征

目的 评估尺神经松解前置术结合术中超强电刺激治疗肘管综合征的治疗效果.方法 30例中重度肘管综合征患者首先进行尺神经松解前置术,测定并记录松解后小指展肌复合肌肉动作电位(CMAP)的潜伏期及波幅;然后给予尺神经超强电刺激治疗(80 mA,2Hz,10 min),按照同样的方法再次记录小指展肌CMAP的潜伏期及波幅,并将刺激前后的数据进行统计学分析.结果 患者尺神经外膜松解后与超强电刺激后小指展肌CMAP的波幅分别为(2.5±0.4) mV和(6.2±0.8)mV,潜伏期分别为(12.0±0.6)ms和(10.3±0.3)ms,经比较有统计学意义(P＜0.05).超强电刺激后小指展肌CMAP的潜伏期较前平均缩短15.7％,波幅平均增大约2倍.结论 术中超强电刺激对肘管综合征患者的尺神经功能恢复具有辅助治疗作用.     

Sleeve bridging of the rhesus monkey ulnar nerve with muscular branches of the pronator teres: multiple amplification of axonal regeneration

Multiple-bud regeneration, i.e., multiple amplification, has been shown to exist in peripheral nerve regeneration. Multiple buds grow towards the distal nerve stump during proximal nerve fiber regeneration. Our previous studies have verified the limit and validity of multiple amplification of peripheral nerve regeneration using small gap sleeve bridging of small donor nerves to repair large receptor nerves in rodents. The present study sought to observe multiple amplification of myelinated nerve fiber regeneration in the primate peripheral nerve. Rhesus monkey models of distal ulnar nerve defects were established and repaired using muscular branches of the right forearm pronator teres. Proximal muscular branches of the pronator teres were sutured into the distal ulnar nerve using the small gap sleeve bridging method. At 6 months after suture, two-finger flexion and mild wrist flexion were restored in the ulnar-sided injured limbs of rhesus monkey. Neurophysiological examination showed that motor nerve conduction velocity reached 22.63 ± 6.34 m/s on the affected side of rhesus monkey. Osmium tetroxide staining demonstrated that the number of myelinated nerve fibers was 1,657 ± 652 in the branches of pronator teres of donor, and 2,661 ± 843 in the repaired ulnar nerve. The rate of multiple amplification of regenerating myelinated nerve fibers was 1.61. These data showed that when muscular branches of the pronator teres were used to repair ulnar nerve in primates, effective regeneration was observed in regenerating nerve fibers, and functions of the injured ulnar nerve were restored to a certain extent. Moreover, multiple amplification was subsequently detected in ulnar nerve axons.     

Does the ratio of the carpal tunnel inlet and outlet cross-sectional areas in the median nerve reflect carpal tunnel syndrome severity?

Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe(moderate and severe) carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.     

MR在尺神经卡压综合征诊疗中的应用

目的探讨MR在尺神经卡压综合征(CuTS)术前评估、术式选择、术后疗效评估中的应用价值。方法对470例CuTS患者,按Dellon术式对卡压神经行尺神经显微松解减压术。所有患者术前4周病侧组和健侧组尺神经行MR检测对照,术前、术后病侧组尺神经MR检测指标对照。结果 MR显示受累神经肿胀、增粗,信号减低,神经内线状结构消失,肿胀部位(内上髁沟、穿尺侧腕屈肌处)明显受到旋前圆肌、指浅屈肌、肘管、屈肌总腱等组织卡压;神经横截面积(CSA)相比较于健侧差异显著;术前、术后对照:MR尺神经检测结果提示神经卡压明显缓解。结论 MR能够从形态学角度提供神经卡压程度、部位等信息,同时可以清晰显示卡压神经周围解剖,适用于辅助术前评估,指导手术操作,评价手术效果。     

New near-nerve needle nerve conduction technique: differentiating epicondylar from cubital tunnel ulnar neuropathy.

At the elbow, the ulnar nerve is compressed most commonly either in the epicondylar groove or at the cubital tunnel. While conventional electrodiagnosis may localize an ulnar neuropathy to the elbow, separating epicondylar syndrome (tardy ulnar nerve palsy) from cubital tunnel syndrome is more difficult. We describe a new method using a near-nerve needle technique for distinguishing these two types of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. We placed three active needle electrodes across the elbow: the first was 4 cm above, and the second and third were 1.5 cm and 6 cm below the medial epicondyle, respectively. The latter two points were chosen because of the presence of the cubital tunnel in this segment. Sensory, motor, and mixed nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed on these two segments (elbow segment and cubital tunnel segment) in 26 normal nerves and normal data were established. We also present 7 cases of epicondylar ulnar nerve palsy and 1 case of cubital tunnel syndrome in which we were able to confirm the diagnosis with the present method. In 3 cases of epicondylar ulnar nerve palsy, the present method accurately localized the lesion when other methods failed. We believe that this method will be helpful in distinguishing cubital tunnel syndrome from epicondylar ulnar nerve palsy, especially in early ulnar neuropathy in which only sensory fibers are involved.     

Ultrasound Diagnosis of Double Crush Syndrome of the Ulnar Nerve by the Anconeus Epitrochlearis and a Ganglion

Double compression of the ulnar nerve, including Guyon''s canal syndrome associated with cubital tunnel syndrome caused by the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, is a very rare condition. We present a case of double crush syndrome of the ulnar nerve at the wrist and elbow in a 55-year-old man, as well as a brief review of the literature. Although electrodiagnostic findings were consistent with an ulnar nerve lesion only at the elbow, ultrasonography revealed a ganglion compressing the ulnar nerve at the hypothenar area and the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle lying in the cubital tunnel. Careful physical examination and ultrasound assessment of the elbow and wrist confirmed the clinical diagnosis prior to surgery.     

The cubital tunnel syndrome: diagnosis and precise localization

The cubital tunnel syndrome is a subgroup of ulnar neuropathies arising at the elbow, with nerve entrapment under the aponeurosis connecting the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. To separate this condition more clearly from tardy ulnar palsy, the clinical and electrophysiological features of 9 patients are presented, 6 of whom had the syndrome bilaterally. There was no history of trauma and no clinical or roentgenographic evidence of joint deformity in any of the patients. In 9 of the 15 ulnar nerves, abnormal conduction was localized to the level of the cubital tunnel (1.5 to 3.5 cm distal to the medial epicondyle). The findings were confirmed intraoperatively in 7 patients and corresponded to a tight band compressing the ulnar nerve and causing narrowing at the cubital tunnel with swelling proximally. This syndrome represents a common and distinct subgroup of ulnar neuropathies at the elbow.     

Anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve with fascial flap and complete excision of medial intermuscular septum in cubital tunnel syndrome: a prospective patient cohort

Objective

Regarding the frequency of cubital tunnel syndrome, varieties of treatment modalities, and ambiguity of anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve method, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome referred to Taleghani hospital between 2006 and 2009.

Methods

This study was a case series including all referred patients with definite diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome, treated by anterior subcutaneous transposition. Treatment results were measured according to modified Bishop rating system, and were ranked into excellent, good, fair, and poor. Variables such as gender, age (less/more than 45 years), causation, and initial severity, determined by Dellon criteria preoperatively, were analyzed by Fisher's exact test.

Results

This study was performed on 26 eligible cases including 29 elbows, 38% males and 62.1% females, with mean age of 44.5 years (ranging 23-72 years). In a 12 months follow-up post-operatively, 62% showed excellent, 20.7% good, and 17.3% fair, with no poor result. In a 1-12 months follow-up post-operatively, results showed improvement, and initial severity and old age were demonstrated to significantly affect treatment results (P < 0.07).

Conclusion

Though considered standard of care, the present study suggests that criteria for surgical techniques of ulnar nerve decompression, e.g. simple decompression vs. more extensive repair as in the present cohort, should be revised by controlled prospective studies.     

Single injection of platelet-rich plasma as a novel treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that platelet-rich plasma has therapeutic effects on many neuropathies, but its effects on carpal tunnel syndrome remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether single injection of platelet-rich plasma can improve the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Fourteen patients presenting with median nerve injury who had suffered from mild carpal tunnel syndrome for over 3 months were included in this study. Under ultrasound guidance, 1–2 mL of platelet-rich plasma was injected into the region around the median nerve at the proximal edge of the carpal tunnel. At 1 month after single injection of platelet-rich plasma, Visual Analogue Scale results showed that pain almost disappeared in eight patients and it was obviously alleviated in three patients. Simultaneously, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire showed that upper limb function was obviously improved. In addition, no ultrasonographic manifestation of the carpal tunnel syndrome was found in five patients during ultrasonographic measurement of the width of the median nerve. During 3-month follow-up, the pain was not greatly alleviated in three patients. These findings show very encouraging mid-term outcomes regarding use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Phrenic nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve for the repair of brachial plexus injury: electrophysiological characteristics

Phrenic nerve transfer is a major dynamic treatment used to repair brachial plexus root avulsion. We analyzed 72 relevant articles on phrenic nerve transfer to repair injured brachial plexus that were indexed by Science Citation Index. The keywords searched were brachial plexus injury, phrenic nerve, repair, surgery, protection, nerve transfer, and nerve graft. In addition, we performed neurophysiological analysis of the preoperative condition and prognosis of 10 patients undergoing ipsilateral phrenic nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve in our hospital from 2008 to 201 3 and observed the electromyograms of the biceps brachii and motor conduction function of the musculocutaneous nerve. Clinically, approximately 28% of patients had brachial plexus injury combined with phrenic nerve injury, and injured phrenic nerve cannot be used as a nerve graft. After phrenic nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve, the regenerated potentials first appeared at 3 months. Recovery of motor unit action potential occurred 6 months later and became more apparent at 12 months. The percent of patients recovering ‘excellent' and ‘good' muscle strength in the biceps brachii was 80% after 18 months. At 12 months after surgery, motor nerve conduction potential appeared in the musculocutaneous nerve in seven cases. These data suggest that preoperative evaluation of phrenic nerve function may help identify the most appropriate nerve graft in patients with an injured brachial plexus. The functional recovery of a transplanted nerve can be dynamically observed after the surgery.     

Cubital tunnel syndrome--simple nerve decompression or decompression with subcutaneous anterior transposition?

The purpose of this prospective, randomised and controlled study was to evaluate which kind of operative technique for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is favourable: subcutaneous anterior transposition or nerve decompression without transposition. This study included 66 patients suffering from pain and/either neurological deficits with clinically and electrographically proven cubital tunnel syndrome. 32 patients underwent nerve decompression without transposition, whereas 34 underwent subcutaneous transposition of the nerve. Follow-up examinations evaluating pain, motor and sensory deficits as well as motor nerve conduction velocities were performed three, nine and 24 months postoperatively. Irrespectively of operative procedures (simple decompression vs. subcutaneous anterior transposition) there were no significant differences between the outcomes of the two groups at either postoperative follow-up examination (p > 0.05).     

Femoral nerve regeneration and its accuracy under different injury mechanisms

Surgical accuracy has greatly improved with the advent of microsurgical techniques. However, complete functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury has not been achieved to date. The mechanisms hindering accurate regeneration of damaged axons after peripheral nerve injury are in urgent need of exploration. The present study was designed to explore the mechanisms of peripheral nerve regeneration after different types of injury. Femoral nerves of rats were injured by crushing or freezing. At 2, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after injury, axons were retrogradely labeled using 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate(Dil) and True Blue, and motor and sensory axons that had regenerated at the site of injury were counted. The number and percentage of Dil-labeled neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord increased over time. No significant differences were found in the number of labeled neurons between the freeze and crush injury groups at any time point. Our results confirmed that the accuracy of peripheral nerve regeneration increased with time, after both crush and freeze injury, and indicated that axonal regeneration accuracy was still satisfactory after freezing, despite the prolonged damage.     

Allograft pretreatment for the repair of sciatic nerve defects: green tea polyphenols versus radiation

Pretreatment of nerve allografts by exposure to irradiation or green tea polyphenols can eliminate neuroimmunogenicity, inhibit early immunological rejection, encourage nerve regeneration and functional recovery, improve tissue preservation, and minimize postoperative infection. In the present study, we investigate which intervention achieves better results. We produced a 1.0 cm sciatic nerve defect in rats, and divided the rats into four treatment groups: autograft, fresh nerve allograft, green tea polyphenol-pretreated(1 mg/m L, 4°C) nerve allograft, and irradiation-pretreated nerve allograft(26.39 Gy/min for 12 hours; total 19 k Gy). The animals were observed, and sciatic nerve electrophysiology, histology, and transmission electron microscopy were carried out at 6 and 12 weeks after grafting. The circumference and structure of the transplanted nerve in rats that received autografts or green tea polyphenol-pretreated nerve allografts were similar to those of the host sciatic nerve. Compared with the groups that received fresh or irradiation-pretreated nerve allografts, motor nerve conduction velocity in the autograft and fresh nerve allograft groups was greater, more neurites grew into the allografts, Schwann cell proliferation was evident, and a large number of new blood vessels was observed; in addition, massive myelinated nerve fibers formed, and abundant microfilaments and microtubules were present in the axoplasm. Our findings indicate that nerve allografts pretreated by green tea polyphenols are equivalent to transplanting autologous nerves in the repair of sciatic nerve defects, and promote nerve regeneration. Pretreatment using green tea polyphenols is better than pretreatment with irradiation.     

A reliable technique for ultrasound‐guided perineural injection in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow

Introduction: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is a common peripheral compression neuropathy and, in most cases, occurs at 2 sites, the retroepicondylar groove or the cubital tunnel. With regard to a potential therapeutic approach with perineural corticosteroid injection, the aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of injection fluid applied at a standard site. Methods: We performed ultrasound‐guided (US‐guided) perineural injections to the ulnar nerve halfway between the olecranon and the medial epicondyle in 21 upper limbs from 11 non‐embalmed cadavers. In anatomic dissection we investigated the spread of injected ink. Results: Ink was successfully injected into the perineural sheath of the ulnar nerve in all 21 cases (cubital tunnel: 21 of 21; retroepicondylar groove: 19 of 21). Conclusion: US‐guided injection between the olecranon and the medial epicondyle is a feasible and safe method to reach the most common sites of ulnar nerve entrapment. Muscle Nerve 56 : 237–241, 2017     

Symptomatic epineural ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel: a case report and brief review of the literature

An unusual case of pain and weakness in the hand and forearm due to a ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is presented. The patient was managed initially as a case of cervical disc disease and cervical spondylosis and later as a case of carpal tunnel syndrome at an another institution. Cervical radiography and cervical magnetic resonance imaging scans were inconclusive. Neurosurgical referral revealed tenderness at the right cubital tunnel, weakness of the right hand and forearm muscles, and sensory deficit along the medial border of the forearm and the hand. The diagnosis of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow was made. Nerve conduction studies of the ulnar nerve at the elbow confirmed the diagnosis. A ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve was excised microsurgically with a complete postoperative sensory motor recovery.     

One-stage human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction for digital nerve defects

Human acellular nerve allografts have a wide range of donor origin and can effectively avoid nerve injury in the donor area. Very little is known about one-stage reconstruction of digital nerve defects. The present study observed the feasibility and effectiveness of human acellular nerve allograft in the reconstruction of 5-cm digital nerve defects within 6 hours after injury. A total of 15 cases of nerve injury, combined with nerve defects in 18 digits from the Department of Emergency were enrolled in this study. After debridement, digital nerves were reconstructed using human acellular nerve allografts. The patients were followed up for 6–24 months after reconstruction. Mackinnon-Dellon static two-point discrimination results showed excellent and good rates of 89%. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test demonstrated that light touch was normal, with an obvious improvement rate of 78%. These findings confirmed that human acellular nerve allograft for one-stage reconstruction of digital nerve defect after hand injury is feasible, which provides a novel trend for peripheral nerve reconstruction.     

Intraoperative electroneurography: management of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow

At the elbow the ulnar nerve may be compressed either in the retrocondylar groove or at the cubital tunnel. Optimal surgical therapy should be directed at the specific site of involvement. Intraoperative electroneurography performed in conjunction with 19 ulnar nerve explorations helped localize the precise site of compression. Of the primary procedures, abnormality was at the retrocondylar groove in 9, cubital tunnel in 4, both locations in 3, and at an unusual distal point in 1; 12 anterior subcutaneous transpositions, 4 cubital tunnel releases, and 1 distal decompression resulted. Intraoperative studies helped identify residual compression in two patients undergoing reexploration. Although routine electrodiagnosis may localize an ulnar neuropathy to the elbow, reliably separating retrocondylar from cubital tunnel compression is more difficult. Preoperatively, percutaneous serial short increment studies were more accurate than simple "inching" in predicting the site of compression.