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Subjective outcome, neurophysiological investigations, postoperative complications and recurrence rate of partial medial epicondylectomy in cubital tunnel syndrome

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Published:
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Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome with subjective and neurophysiological parameters following partial medial epicondylectomy (pME) and to evaluate complications and recurrence rates. A retrospective analysis was performed in 29 patients (18 males and 11 females) with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) who underwent pME. Mean time follow-up was 41.4 months. For subjective parameters, DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand), a self-created questionnaire about postoperative satisfaction and a visual pain scale (VAS) have been used. All patients were classified according to the Mc Gowan Classification (McG) and Wilson & Krout Classification (WKC). The patients were examined by nerve conduction velocity. Total mean of the DASH score was 24.8 points. In a questionnaire with integrated pain score (1–5), 96% of the patients declared a postoperative improvement, whereas 41.4% patients of the latter group were very contented with the results, 37.9% were contented, 17.2% were less contented and 3.4% were discontented. The VAS for evaluation of postoperative pain showed an average of 2.36 (0–5.9) out of 10. Of the patients, 68.0% were classified as grade I according to McG and 68.0% as excellent or good according to WKC. Motor nerve conduction velocity improved from 34.8 m/s preoperatively to 48.2 m/s postoperatively. One patient developed a haematoma and three patients (10.3%) had to be classified as recurrence. High postoperative rates of patient satisfaction and improved neurophysiological results could be achieved by pME.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Saskia M. Schnabl, Franziska Kisslinger, Adrian Dragu, Ulrich Kneser, Frank Unglaub & Raymund E. Horch

  2. Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany

    Axel Schramm

Authors
  1. Saskia M. Schnabl
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  2. Franziska Kisslinger
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  3. Axel Schramm
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  4. Adrian Dragu
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  5. Ulrich Kneser
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  6. Frank Unglaub
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  7. Raymund E. Horch
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Correspondence to Frank Unglaub.

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F. Unglaub and R. E. Horch have contributed equally as senior authors.

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Schnabl, S.M., Kisslinger, F., Schramm, A. et al. Subjective outcome, neurophysiological investigations, postoperative complications and recurrence rate of partial medial epicondylectomy in cubital tunnel syndrome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 131, 1027–1033 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-010-1250-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-010-1250-9

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