Severe ulnar neuropathy after subcutaneous transposition in a collegiate tennis player

We report the case of an "overhead" athlete (a collegiate tennis player) who developed severe ulnar neuropathy after anterior subcutaneous transposition and placement of a fasciodermal sling. Treatment consisted of opening the sling, excising suture material, releasing all other areas of potential compression, and performing anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve deep to the flexor muscle group. Two years after surgery, subjective symptoms were significantly improved, though the patient continued to experience mild medial-side elbow discomfort and intermittent paresthesia along the ulnar nerve distribution. Pain relief achieved without full sensory and motor recovery is consistent with results reported elsewhere. In short, extreme care must be taken when creating a fasciodermal sling during anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve.     

尺神经肌下前置术后解剖学变化及动态分析

目的从解剖学的角度为治疗肘管综合征选择肌下前置术式提供理论依据. 方法分析32例肘管综合征临床资料,男22例,女10例.年龄17～73岁.观察尺侧上副血管的分支分布及其与尺神经的关系,尺神经病变的部位、范围、粗细等;用扩张器测量新肘管容积.将20侧福尔马林固定的成人尸体上肢标本,分别制成尺神经皮下前置及肌下前置模型,动态观测设定范围内尺神经移位前后肘关节不同伸屈状态下的长度变化,进行对比分析. 结果尺侧上副动脉可与尺神经一同前置,新肘管重建后可充分容纳尺神经.皮下前置伸肘位时,尺神经较移位前被拉长7.55%±0.52%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);肌下前置伸肘位时,尺神经长度与术前比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05). 结论肘部尺神经肌下前置术较好地解决了尺神经肘部受压迫及屈肘受牵拉的问题,尺神经前置后其血供及组织床良好,新肘管宽松,对尺神经无卡压,术式符合生物力学及神经生理学要求,是治疗肘管综合征可选择的术式.     

两种尺神经前置方法治疗肘管综合征的疗效比较

目的比较尺神经皮下前置及肌下前置两种方法治疗肘管综合征的疗效,为临床选择恰当的治疗术式提供依据。方法 2006年6月-2008年10月收治39例肘管综合征患者,其中20例采用尺神经皮下前置(皮下前置组),19例采用尺神经肌下前置(肌下前置组)。两组患者性别、年龄、病程及临床分型等一般资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。结果两组患者术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。术后肌下前置组17例(89.5%)发生尺神经卡压症状缓解后突然加重,1例(5.3%)肘部瘢痕增生;皮下前置组10例(50.0%)出现触碰肘前内侧皮肤时手部尺侧麻木;两组并发症发生情况比较,差异有统计学意义(χ2=9.632,P=0.002)。患者均获随访,随访时间24～36个月,平均28个月。末次随访时,两组手部握力,拇、环指及拇、小指捏力,以及小指末节两点辨别觉比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);但均较术前显著改善,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定:皮下前置组获优5例,良12例,可1例,差2例;肌下前置组获优6例,良10例,可2例,差1例;两组比较差异无统计学意义(u=0.346,P=0.734)。参照患者源性功能调查表上肢功能评定表评定:皮下前置组为(22±7)分,肌下前置组为(19±6)分,差异无统计学意义(t=1.434,P=0.161)。结论尺神经皮下前置及肌下前置两种方法治疗肘管综合征均可达到良好疗效,其中尺神经肌下前置法并发症较少。     

老年尺神经松解前置术后主动活动与制动的临床疗效分析

目的研究老年患者肘管综合征行尺神经松解前置术后患肢不制动的临床疗效。方法1999年1月～2004年12月,收治43例老年肘管综合征患者,其中男24例,女19例。年龄60～81岁,平均67岁。病程2～10个月。随机分为两组,A组20例,B组23例,均行尺神经松解前置术,A组术后患肘用石膏托外固定3周,B组不用外固定,第2天开始活动观察患肢感觉、力量、两点辨别觉、Tinal征,以及恢复工作生活时间等,采用Bishop评分系统评价两组患者功能恢复情况。结果术后获随访1～5年,两组患者的尺神经功能有较大的改善,组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);A组恢复日常活动或原有工作时间平均需45.2±5.1d,B组平均需15.5±3.8d,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。经Bishop评分,A组优14例,良4例,中、差各1例;B组优16例,良4例,中2例,差1例,两组间无差异(P>0.05)。结论老年患者尺神经松解前置术后即行功能锻炼能更早恢复日常活动或原有工作。     

内窥镜及显微镜辅助下三切口治疗肘管综合征

目的总结在内窥镜及显微镜辅助下采用三切口行尺神经松解并皮下前置术治疗肘管综合征的手术方法和疗效。方法 2008年5月-2009年8月,在内窥镜及显微镜辅助下采用三切口行尺神经松解并皮下前置术治疗13例肘管综合征患者。其中男4例,女9例;年龄32～60岁,平均47.5岁。致病原因:外伤性肱骨内侧髁陈旧性骨折畸形1例,无明显外伤、长时间屈肘作业10例,尺神经滑脱2例。左侧6例,右侧7例。病程4～30个月。发病至手术时间3～20个月,平均8.5个月。10例伴手内肌萎缩。结果手术均顺利完成,手术时间45～60 min。术后切口Ⅰ期愈合,无感染等并发症发生。术后患者均获随访,随访时间12～18个月,平均14个月。术后第1天,患者环、小指及掌、尺侧皮肤麻木感明显减轻。术后2周肌电图检查示前臂尺神经运动传导速度增快,波幅改善,手内肌募集反应增强。术后3个月,10例伴手内肌萎缩患者中7例肌力恢复正常,余3例肌力大部分恢复。术后12个月,患者肘管综合征临床症状消失,肘关节功能恢复正常。按照中华医学会外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准和Lascar等分级法评价疗效,获优10例,良3例,优良率100%。患者术后12～16 d(平均14 d)恢复日常工作。随访期内均无复发。结论内窥镜及显微镜辅助下采用三切口治疗肘管综合征具有手术切口小,组织创伤轻,尺神经松解及减压彻底等优点,患者术后能早期恢复日常工作,是一种治疗肘管综合征安全有效的微创手术方法。     

尺神经肌下前置术治疗肘管综合征

目的 探讨尺神经松解加肌下前置术治疗肘管综合征的有效性。方法 观测２０例成人尸体上肢标本及３２例患者尺神经移置前后的解剖变化,临床应用３２例。结果 尺侧上副动脉可与尺神经一前置;皮下前置伸肘位时尺神经易受牵拉,肌下前置伸、屈肘时均不受牵拉;新肘管可充分容纳尺神经。３２例中获完整随访２６例。随访期１～３年,１６例（６１．５％）恢复正常。结论 尺神经松解加肌下前置术为治疗肘管综合征较佳术式。     

带尺侧下副动脉尺神经松解前置术治疗肘管综合征

目的 总结带尺侧下副动脉尺神经松解前置术治疗肘管综合征的手术方法及临床效果.方法 2005年9月-2006年5月,采用保留尺侧下副动脉在尺神经上的吻合支,行带血供尺神经松解前置术治疗25例肘管综合征.男19例,女6例:年龄20～72岁,平均60岁.发病至手术时间2个月～3年,平均6.7个月.发病原因:骨性关节炎23例,肘管内囊肿及尺神经滑脱各1例.术前按Pasque肘管综合征评分系统评定:可19例,差6例.电生理检查:肘关节周围尺神经运动神经传导速度<42 m/s.结果 术后切口均1期愈合,无手术并发症及复发患者.25例术后均获随访,随访时间1年～2年半,平均13.9个月.按Pasque肘管综合征评分系统评定:优15例,良9例,可1例,优良率96%;与术前评定结果比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).电生理检查;肘关节周围尺神经运动神经传导速度>42m/s.结论 带尺侧下副动脉尺神经松解前置术是治疗肘管综合征的安全有效方法之一.     

重建钢板固定和尺神经前置治疗肱骨髁间骨折

目的评价AO重建钢板固定及常规尺神经前置治疗肱骨髁间骨折的疗效。方法1996年3月～2001年9月,手术治疗肱骨髁间骨折68例,随访资料完整43例,男28例,女15例;年龄18～65岁,平均41岁。开放性骨折7例,闭合性骨折36例。43例肱骨髁间骨折按AO/ASIF分型:C1型14例,C2型18例,C3型11例。行切开复位AO重建钢板内固定,并常规行尺神经前置。取肘后正中切口,经肱三头肌舌形瓣入路32例,经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路6例,合并鹰嘴骨折经骨折端进入5例。术后早期行肘关节CPM功能锻炼。结果随访12～37个月,平均17.7个月。术后12～18周,骨折全部愈合。采用Aitken-Rorabeck评分系统进行疗效评定:优33例,良4例,可5例,差1例;优良率为86.1%。6例尺神经损伤均完全恢复,无一例发生迟发性神经麻痹。伤后4周出现异位骨化2例;肘内翻3°1例,但不影响肘关节的功能;切口感染3例。肘关节功能受限2例,其中1例伸屈为43°,另1例为62°。结论肱骨髁间骨折应及早解剖复位,尺神经前置能减少尺神经麻痹的发生,早期进行功能锻炼,有助于肘关节功能的恢复。     

两种尺神经前置方法治疗肘管综合征疗效分析

目的比较采用传统尺神经皮下前置术和尺神经带血管蒂深筋膜瓣下前置术治疗中重度肘管综合征的临床疗效。方法回顾我院1999年至2006年期间收治的中重度肘管综合征76例,分别采用尺神经皮下前置术和尺神经带血管蒂深筋膜瓣下前置术,获得随访70例,其中尺神经皮下前置术28例,尺神经带血管蒂深筋膜瓣下前置术42例。结果术后随访6个月至3年(平均2.2年)。疗效评定按照张高孟评分标准,尺神经皮下前置术者优良率64.3%,尺神经带血管蒂深筋膜瓣下前置术者优良率85.7%,两组的疗效差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论中重度肘管综合征患者宜行尺神经带血管蒂深筋膜瓣下前置术。     

Stabilized subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition with immediate range of motion. Long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND: Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve at the elbow produces generally good results regardless of whether the nerve is transposed subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or submuscularly. The eventual recovery of nerve function is related less to the specific surgical technique than to the severity of the intrinsic nerve pathology. A primary variable in surgical management is the duration of postoperative elbow immobilization. The purpose of this study was to review the longterm results of a specific technique of subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve that utilizes a stabilizing fasciodermal sling. The study compared the results of immediate and late institution of a range of motion postoperatively. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with fifty-one elbows were reexamined, by an investigator who had not been involved in their treatment, at a minimum of two years (range, twenty-four months to fourteen years) after an anterior transposition. Of the fifty-one elbows, twenty-one were immobilized for two to three weeks whereas thirty were managed with an immediate range of motion. RESULTS: At the latest follow-up evaluation, there were occasional, mild paresthesias in 16 percent of the limbs and there was still subjective weakness of 19 percent. Both pinch and grip strength had increased substantially. No patient had lost elbow motion. A positive Tinel sign persisted in 31 percent of the limbs, but it was mildly positive in most of them. The elbow flexion test was uniformly negative. The results for 92 percent of the limbs were satisfactory to the patients, who stated that they would undergo the same procedure again if necessary. Overall, 73 percent of the limbs had an excellent result; 18 percent, a good result; 4 percent, a fair result; and 6 percent, a poor result. With the numbers available, no significant difference could be detected, with regard to these outcomes, between the group managed with elbow immobilization and that managed with immediate elbow mobilization. However, patients treated with a postoperative cast returned to work at an average of thirty days after surgery whereas the group treated with immediate motion of the elbow returned to work at an average of ten days. CONCLUSIONS: This technique of stabilized subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve yielded predictably good results for a wide spectrum of patients. Patients returned to their occupation sooner when the elbow had been mobilized immediately.     

Subcutaneous or submuscular anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve?

Precise clinical and electroneurographic examinations were made of 51 patients before and after anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. The mean follow-up period was 9.6 years. In 86%, hand function improved, while in 10% it remained unchanged. Subcutaneous transposition was better than submuscular transposition, especially with regard to sensation. This method is simple and involves low morbidity for patients.     

Latrogenic snapping of the medial head of the triceps after ulnar nerve transposition

We postulate an iatrogenic cause for snapping of the medial head of the triceps. A patient whose ulnar nerve and triceps did not dislocate over the medial epicondyle preoperatively had snapping of a portion of the medial triceps after submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve. We believe that release of the brachial fascia and excision of the medial intermuscular septum removed the restraint to anterior translation of the medial aspect of the triceps, permitting dislocation of a portion of the medial head of the triceps with elbow flexion in this case. Previous reports of snapping of the triceps resulting after ulnar nerve transposition occurred in patients whose ulnar nerve dislocated preoperatively; in these cases, the triceps was thought to have dislocated preoperatively (along with the ulnar nerve) but was not recognized. Careful intraoperative assessment of the triceps after ulnar nerve transposition should prevent medial triceps instability as a postoperative concern.     

Long-term Reoperation Rate for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Subcutaneous Transposition Versus In Situ Decompression

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term revision rate of in situ ulnar nerve decompression with anterior subcutaneous transposition surgery for idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter, cohort study compared patients who underwent ulnar nerve surgery with a minimum 5 years of follow-up. The primary outcome studied was the need for revision cubital tunnel surgery. In total, there were 132 cases corresponding to 119 patients. The cohorts were matched for age and comorbidity. Results: The long-term reoperation rate for in situ decompression was 25% compared with 12% for anterior subcutaneous transposition. Seventy-eight percent of revisions of in situ decompression were performed within the first 3 years. Younger age and female sex were identified as independent predictors of need for revision. Conclusions: In the long-term follow-up, in situ decompression is seen to have a statistically significant higher reoperation rate compared with subcutaneous transposition.     

Tardy ulnar nerve palsy in cubitus varus deformity associated with ulnar nerve dislocation in adults

Seven patients with tardy ulnar nerve palsy from a posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity were reviewed retrospectively. The severity of symptoms was grade I in 3 patients and grade II in 4 patients according to McGowan's classification. The mean internal rotation angle was 30.7 degrees (range, 25 degrees -45 degrees ). The most prominent feature was dislocation of the nerve anterior to the medial epicondyle and entrapment of the nerve by the fibrous band of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Of these 7 patients, 4 were treated by 3-dimensional osteotomy with ulnar nerve transposition, and 3 were treated by anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. All patients improved clinically, and there was no significant difference between anterior transposition of the nerve in the group with osteotomy and the group without osteotomy. Ulnar nerve instability due to internal rotation deformity and distal entrapment was considered to be the main cause of neuropathy.     

Subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for failed decompression of cubital tunnel syndrome

The current literature universally suggests that submuscular anterior transposition is the standard operative treatment for recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome. Regardless of the type of initial failed procedure, including submuscular transposition, 20 patients underwent anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. All patients were monitored for a minimum of 2 years after surgery. The most common sites of compression were the medial intermuscular septum and the flexor-pronator aponeurosis. Fifteen patients had a good or excellent outcome; 5 patients had a fair or poor outcome. Relief of pain and paresthesias were the most consistent favorable results. Fair and poor outcomes were significantly associated with increasing age and the number of previous surgeries. Subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve proved to be an effective treatment for recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome.     

儿童肱骨内上髁骨折术后迟发性尺神经炎的预防

目的探讨骨折切开复位内固定并一期行尺神经前移术对肱骨内上髁骨折术后发生迟发性尺神经炎的预防作用。方法将57例眩骨内上髁骨折患者分为骨折切开复位内固定并一期行尺神经前移（32例）和单纯骨折切开复位内固定（25例）两组,对两组迟发性尺神经炎的发生率进行比较．结果骨折切开复位内固定并一期行尺神经前移组的迟发性尺神经炎发生率为6．25％,而单纯骨折切开复位内固定组为36％．两组差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。结论 肱骨内上髁骨折切开复位内同定并一期行尺神经前移能较好地预防术后迟发性尺神经炎的发生。     

The results of operation for ulnar neuritis.

The records of 110 cases of ulnar neuritis in 100 patients have been reviewed an average of 4.4 years after anterior transposition, or release of the aponeurosis. Seventy of the patients were reviewed personally. In over half the cases no precipitating cause was apparent. At operation the nerve was constricted by the flexor carpi ulnaris aponeurosis in fifty cases but in twenty-five no abnormal pathology was found. Recovery was greatest when operation was performed within three months of the onset of symptoms. In those cases where no abnormality was found, and those in which adhesions in the postcondylar groove involved the nerve, simple release was less effective than anterior transposition. It is therefore recommended that release be restricted to patients with a short history and with an obvious aponeurotic constriction unaccompanied by adhesions. Anterior transposition is the operation of choice where no abnormality is seen or where the nerve is dislocated, compressed or tethered proximal to the aponeurosis of flexor carpi ulnaris.     

神经端侧缝合与神经转位缝合及带血运神经移植疗效比较的实验研究

目的 比较神经端侧缝合与神经转位缝合、带血运神经移植方法疗效的优劣。方法 健康兔24只,随机分成三组。A组为腓总神经远断端与胫神经端侧缝合;B组为胫神经近断端转位于腓总神经远断端缝合;C组将腓总神经制成6cm长带血运移植段原位缝合做电生理检查后取材,测肌湿重及组织学检查。结果 肌湿重、肌纤维横截面积、MCV、SCV显示A与B、A与c组间无显著性差异,B与C组间存在显著性差异;神经轴突再生显示A与B组间无显著性差异,B与C、A与c组间存在显著性差异。结论 神经端侧缝合后再生质量同神经转位缝合与长段带血运神经移植相比基本相同,但神经转住缝合优于带血运神经移植。     

肘管综合征尺神经皮下前置术疗效回顾性分析

目的 :应用术前功能障碍分度和术后疗效分级法 ,评价肘管综合征应用尺神经皮下前置术的疗效及其影响因素。方法 :从 1995～ 2 0 0 3年 ,应用尺神经皮下前置术治疗 3 4例肘管综合征患者。根据Goldberg分度法将肘管综合征分为轻度、中度和重度。疗效参照Lascar分级法 ,分为全部恢复 (优 )、部分恢复 (良 )、无变化 (可 )和恶化 (差 )。同时分析年龄、病程、病因、术中发现对手术预后的影响和感觉障碍、爪形指、第 1背侧骨间肌萎缩、手指内收外展受限等恢复进程 ,并检查肘部切口瘢痕触痛情况。结果 :肘管综合征轻、中度患者 15例 ,疗效优良率为10 0 %。重度 19例 ,疗效优良率为 74%。 3例肘部手术瘢痕有叩击痛。结论 :尺神经皮下前置法是治疗肘管综合征简单可靠的方法。年龄越小、病程越短、症状以感觉障碍为主 ,则术后恢复时间越短、疗效越好     

The effect of operative technique on ulnar nerve strain following surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome

Background

The aim of this study is to compare the amount of strain on the ulnar nerve based on elbow position after in situ release, subcutaneous transposition, submuscular transposition, and medial epicondylectomy.

Methods

Six matched cadaver upper extremity pairs underwent ulnar nerve decompression, transposition in a sequential fashion, while five elbows underwent medial epicondylectomy. A differential variable reluctance transducer (DVRT) was placed in the ulnar nerve. An in situ release, a subcutaneous transposition, and a submuscular transposition were performed sequentially with the strain being measured after each procedure in neutral, full elbow flexion, and extension positions. The strain was then averaged and compared for each procedure. Five cadavers underwent medial epicondylectomy and were similarly tested.

Results

After the in situ release, there was no statistically significant change in strain in either flexion or extension. After a subcutaneous transposition, there was a statistically significant decrease in strain in full elbow flexion but not in extension. Similarly after a submuscular transposition, there was a statistically significant decrease in strain in full flexion but not in extension. There was not a statistically significant change in strain with medial epicondylectomy.

Conclusion

An in situ release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow may relieve pressure on the nerve but does not address the problem of strain which may be the underlying pathology in many cases of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). Transposition of the ulnar nerve anterior to the medial epicondyle addresses the problem of strain on the ulnar nerve. In addition, it does not create an increased strain on the ulnar nerve with elbow extension.