Features of the Ulnar Nerve Predicting Postoperative Prognosis in Idiopathic Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Three Distinct Features of the Ulnar Nerve

Purpose
This retrospective case-control study was performed to determine the relationships between features of the ulnar nerve and postoperative outcomes following in situ decompression in idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).
Methods
The study population consisted of 86 patients who had undergone surgery for CuTS. We evaluated demographic factors, hand dominance, symptom onset time, time from diagnosis to surgery, findings of electrodiagnosis (nerve conduction velocity/electromyography), and preoperative clinical status. Intraoperatively, the ulnar nerve was defined as a definitively compressed, abnormally enlarged, or inflammatory lesion. Clinical improvements were evaluated at least 2 years after surgery.
Results
Fifty-four patients showed improvement after surgery in terms of the modified McGowan grade and were designated as group 1. Meanwhile, 32 patients with unchanged or aggravated status were classified as group 2. Preoperative status, as determined by the modified McGowan grade, Boston Symptom Severity Scale score, severity of electrodiagnosis, and predominant symptoms were similar between the groups (all, P> 0.05). On regression analysis, only the classification of nerve lesions and the time from diagnosis to surgery had an impact on postoperative outcome (all, P

Source: Annals of Plastic Surgery - June 12, 2020 Category: Cosmetic Surgery Tags: Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Research Source Type: research