ANTERIOR TRANSPOSITION VERSUS IN SITU NEUROLYSIS IN CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: A COMPARISON BASED ON FUNCTIONAL AND ELECTRO-DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION

Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare that results of in situ neurolysis and anterior transposition procedures both clinically and electro-diagnostically in those patients diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome. Material and Methods: Twenty of 34 patients who had undergone both preoperative, postoperative electromyogram (EMG) nerve conduction tests and regular follow-up were included in our study. Then, the patients were divided into 2 groups - in situ neurolysis (group A) and anterior transposition (group B). Both groups were compared based on modified Bishop functional scores, preoperative and postoperative EMG parameters. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in relation to EMG parameters between the two groups. When comparing preoperative and postoperative EMG results, in the patients with anterior transposition surgery 'elbow to below-elbow' and 'below-elbow to wrist' motor conduction velocity was increased significantly (p=0.018 and 0.04). While the average Bishop score was 7.9 in group A and 9.3 in group B, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of Bishop Scores. Conclusion: In the management of cubital tunnel syndrome, the choice of technique doesn't affect the functional results; however, anterior transposition of the nerve provides better recovery in 'elbow to below-elbow' and 'below-elbow to wrist' motor conduction velocity.