Objective To investigate the relationship between the elbow flexion angle and the cubital tunnel pressure in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Between June 2010 and June 2011, 63 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated. There were 47 males and 16 females with an average age of 59 years (range, 31-80 years). The lesion was at left side in 18 cases and at right side in 45 cases. During anterior transposition of ulnar nerve, the cubital tunnel pressure values were measured at full elbow extension, elbow flexion of 30, 60, and 90°, and full elbow flexion with microsensor. The elbow flexion angle-cubital tunnel pressure curve was drawn. Results The cubital tunnel pressure increased smoothly with increased elbow flexion angle when the elbow flexed less than 60°, and the pressure increased sharply when the elbow flexed more than 90°. The cubital tunnel pressure values were (0.13 ± 0.15), (1.75 ± 0.30), (2.62 ± 0.34), (5.78 ± 0.47), and (11.40 ± 0.62) kPa, respectively at full elbow extension, elbow flexion of 30, 60, and 90°, and full elbow flexion, showing significant differences among different angles (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The cubital tunnel pressure will increase sharply when the elbow flexes more than 90°, which leads to the chronic ischemic damage to ulnar nerve. Long-term ischemic damage will induce cubital tunnel syndrome.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Between June 2006 and October 2008, 39 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated separately by anterior subcutaneous transposition (anterior subcutaneous transposition group, n=20) and anterior submuscular transposition (anterior submuscular transposition group, n=19). There was no significant difference in gender, age, duration, and cl inical classification between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All incisions healed by first intention in 2 groups. In anterior submuscular transposition group, 17 patients (89.5%) had abruptly deteriorated symptoms after the symptom of ulnar nerve compression was abated, and 1 patient (5.3%) had cicatrix at elbow; in the anterior subcutaneous transposition group, 10 patients (50.0%) had disesthesia at cubital anterointernal skin after operation; and there was significant difference in the complication between 2 groups (χ2=9.632, P=0.002). The patients were followed up 24 to 36 months, 28 months on average. There was no significant difference in grip strength, pinch power of thumb-to-ring finger and thumb-to-little finger, or two-point discrimination of distal l ittle fingers between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), but significant differences were found between before operation and after operation in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). According to the Chinese Medical Society of Hand Surgery Trial upper part of the standard evaluation function assessment, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 12 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 2 cases in the anterior subcutaneous transposition group; the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case in the anterior submuscular transposition group; and there was no significant difference between 2 groups (u=0.346, P=0.734). According to disabil ity of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH) questionnaires, the score was 22 ± 7 in anterior subcutaneous transposition group and was 19 ± 6 in anterior submuscular transposition group, showing no significant difference (t=1.434, P=0.161). Conclusion Both anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior submuscular transposition have good effectiveness in treating cubital tunnel syndrome; and anterior submuscular transposition has less complication than that of submuscular transposition.
Objective To investigate the anatomical evidence of low end-to-side anastomosis of median nerve and ulnar nerve in repair of Dejerine Klumpke type paralysis or high ulnar nerve injury. Methods Twelve formaldehyde anticorrosion specimens (24 sides) and 3 fresh specimens (6 sides) were observed. There were 9 males (18 sides) and 6 females(12 sides). The specimen dissected under the microscope. S-shape incision was made at palmar thenar approaching ulnar side, the profundus nervi ulnaris and superficial branch of ulnar nerve were separated through near end of incision, and the recurrent branch of median nerve and comman digital nerve of the ring finger were separated through far end of incision. The distances from pisiform bone to the start point of the recurrent branch of median nerve, and to the start point of comman digital nerve of the ring finger were measured. The width and thickness of the profundus nervi ulnaris and superficial branch of ulnar nerve, and the recurrent branch of median nerve and comman digital nerve of the ring finger were measured, and the cross-sectional area was calculated. The number of nerve fiber was determined with HE staining and argentaffin staining. Results The crosssectional area and the number of nerve fiber were (2.46 ± 1.03) mm2 and 1 305 ± 239 for the profundus nervi ulnaris, (2.62 ± 1.75) mm2 and 1 634 ± 343 for the recurrent branch of median nerve, (1.60 ± 1.39) mm2 and 1 201 ± 235 for the superficial branch of ulnar nerve, and (2.19 ± 0.89) mm2 and 1 362 ± 162 for the comman digital nerve of the ring finger. There were no significant differences (P gt; 0.05) in the cross-sectional area and the number of nerve fiber between the profundus nervi ulnaris and the recurrent branch of median nerve, between the superficial branch of ulnar nerve and the comman digital nerve of the ring finger; and two factors had a l inear correlation (P lt; 0.05) with correlation coefficients of 0.68, 0.66 and 0.56, 0.36. The distances were (36.98 ± 4.93) mm from pisiform bone to the start point of the recurrent branch of median nerve, and (28.35 ± 6.63) mm to the start point of comman digital nerve of the ring finger. Conclusion Low end-to-side anastomosis of median nerve and ulnar nerve has perfect match in the cross-sectional area and the number of nerve fiber.
Objective To investigate the methods and outcome of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy in treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation. Methods Between June 2004 and June 2009, 11 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation were treated with endoscopic ulnar neurolysis andminimal medial epicondylectomy. There were 7 males and 4 females with an average age of 36 years (range, 18-47 years). All cases had numbness in l ittle finger and ring finger. The disease duration varied from 3 to 18 months (7 months on average). Nine cases had atrophy in the first dorsal interosseous muscle and hypothenar muscles. The preoperative electromyography showed that the ulnar nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were slowed down at elbow, which was (27.0 ± 1.5) m/s. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and no compl ication occurred. Eleven cases were followed up 6-37 months (19 months on average). All cases had normal sensation after 1 month of operation. The muscle strength was obviously improved in 11 cases after 3 months postoperatively (grade 4 in 7 cases and grade 3-4 in 4 cases). The postoperative electromyography showed that the NCV was obviously improved, which was (43.5 ± 9.5) m/s, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (P lt; 0.05). According to Amadio’ efficacy appraisal standard, the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 4 cases. Conclusion The method of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy has the advantages of safety, convenient manipulation, small incision, and early recovery for cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation.
Objective To study and compare the effect of end-to-end and end-to-side neurorrhaphy between the reci pient’s musculocutaneous nerve and the donor’s ulnar nerve, and to observe the regeneration of peri pheral nerve and muscle refection. Methods Sixty male SD rats (weighing 200-250 g) were randomized into 2 groups (n=30 per group), and made the musculocutaneous nerve injury model. In group A, the donor’s nerve was transected for end-to-end neurorrhaphy.In group B, an epineurial window was exposed and the distal end of the muscle branch of musculocutaneous nerve was sutured to the side of the ulnar nerve. Electromyography was performed, biceps wet weight ratio, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, and count of myel inated nerve fiber (CMF) were measured at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The behavior changes of the rats were observed. Results At 4 weeks, the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and the latency ampl itude (AMP) of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (P lt; 0.05); at 12 weeks, there was no significant difference in the NCV and AMP between groups A and B (P gt; 0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks, there was no significant difference in biceps wet weight ratio and muscle fiber cross-sectional area between groups A and B (P gt; 0.05). At 4 weeks, the CMF was 230.15 ± 60.25 in group A and 160.73 ± 48.77 in group B, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05); at 12 weeks, it was 380.26 ± 10.01 in group A and 355.63 ± 28.51 in group B, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Both end-to-end and end-to-side neurorrhaphy have consistent long-term effect in repair of brachial plexus upper trunk injury.
Objective To explore the appl ication of 3D nerve visual ization system in processing 2D imageinformation of human ulnar nerve acquired by series freezing tissue section, staining and scanning. And to draw the 3Danatomical atlas of human ulnar nerve through 3D Nerve visual ization software system. Methods One left ulnar nerve (frommedial fasciculus of brachial plexus to transverse carpal l igament, about 50 cm ) was taken from a fresh donated cadaver. After marked with human hair and embedded in OCT, series freezing tissue sections were made and stained with acetylchol inesterasehistochemically. Series 2D image information was obtained through high resolution scanner. Then the microstructure of ulnar nerve was reconstructed with 3D Nerve visual ization software system. Results Different cross sections of ulnar nerve have different numbers, positions and characters of the internal nerve fibers. The microstructure of ulnar nerve could be observed in magnifying visual field at any cross section after reconstructed in 3D Nerve visual ization soft ware system, which made it possible to track stereo courser of fascicles. Conclusion Reconstructed 3D Nerve visual ization software system shows the whole microstructure of ulnar nerve and the 3D stereo-structure of its internal fascicles, thus provides exact topography atlas for medical teaching and facil itates precise repair of ulnar nerve injury to improve theraputic effect.
Objective To discuss the curative effect of expanding ulnar nerve groove and interfascicular neurolysis under microscope in treating severe cubital tunnel syndrome (Cub Ts), and to compare with that of the forward moving of ulnar nerve and interfascicular neurolysis under microscope to find out the best way to treat severe Cub Ts. Methods From December 2002 to January 2007, 22 severe Cub Ts cases were treated with expansion of ulnar nerve groove and interfascicular neurolysis under microscope (treatment group), and other 22 cases were treated with forward moving of ulnar nerve and interfascicular neurolysis under microscope (control group). In treatment group, there were 17 males and 5 females, aged 21-66 years (mean 43.8 years). Pathogenic causes were elbow arthritis in 17 cases, ulnar nerve dislocation in 3 cases and elbow ectroption in 2 cases. The locations were left elbow in 8 cases and right elbow in 14 cases. Thecourse of disease was 6-69 months. In control group, there were 18 males and 4 females, aged 20-64 years (mean 42.1 years). Pathogenic causes were elbow in arthritis 16 cases, ulnar nerve dislocation in 3 cases, elbow ectroption in 1 case and narrowing and shallowing of ulnar nerve groove caused by abnormal heal ing of medial condyle fracture in 1 case. The locations were left elbow in 7 cases and right elbow in 15 cases. The course of disease was 5-67 months. Results For all patients of both groups, the wound healed by first intention, and all were followed up for 12-45 months. In treatment group, the numbness in l ittle finger was obviously rel ieved, or disappeared in 22 cases 1 day after operation. In control group, the numbness in l ittle finger was obviously rel ieved or disappeared in 22 cases 3-5 days after operation. EMG showed that conduction speed of ulnar nerve was normal. Evaluated by upper l imbs function standard of China Medical Association, Surgery Association and Lascar grades, the results were excellent in 21 cases and good in 1 case in treatment group; whilet excellent in 19 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case in control group. There was significant difference between treatment group and control group (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion Either expansion of ulnar nerve groove and interfascicular neurolysis or forward moving of ulnar nerve and interfascicular neurolysis is an effective method to treat severe Cub Ts, but the former is better than the latter.
Objective To investigate the blood supply of the ulnar nerve in the elbow region and to design the procedure of anterior transposition of ulnar nerve accompanied with arteries for cubital tunnel syndrome.Methods The vascularity of the ulnar nerve was observed and measured in20adult cadaver upper limb specimens. And the clinical surgical procedure was imitated in 3 adult cadaver upper limb specimens. Results There were three major arteries to supply the ulnar nerve at the elbow region: the superior ulnar collateral artery, the inferior ulnar collateral artery and the posterior ulnar recurrent artery. The distances from arterial origin to the medial epicondyle were 14.2±0.9, 4.2±0.6 and 4.8±1.1 cm respectively. And the total length of the vessels travelling alone with the ulnar nerve were 15.0±1.3,5.1±0.3 and 5.6±0.9 cm. The external diameter of the arteries at the beginning spot were 1.5±0.5, 1.2±0.3 and 1.4±0.5 mm respectively. The perpendicular distance of the three arteries were 1.2±0.5,2.7±0.9 and 1.3±0.5 cm respectively.Conclusion It is feasible to perform anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve accompanied with arteries for cubital tunnel syndrome. And the procedure preserves the blood supply of the ulnar nerve following transposition.
Objective To produce anatomical theory evidence for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with anterior submuscular transposition.Methods Of 32 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, there were 22 males and 10 females, aged 17-73 years. The distribution of the branches of superior ulnar collateral arteryand the relationship between superior ulnar collateral artery and ulnar nerve were observed; the position, scope and diameter of ulnar nerve lesion were also observed; the volume of new cubit tunnel was measured with dilator. Twenty cubituses of adult cadavers were made the models of anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior submuscular transposition of ulnar nerve. Length changes of ulnar nerve in different situations were observed.Results Superior ulnar collateral artery could be transposed with ulnar nerve, and new cubit tunnel was wide enough to contain ulnar nerve. In the context of anterior subcutaneous transposition, the ulnar nerve was lengthened by 7.55%±0.52% when compared with that of preoperation in the case of elbow extension, there was significant difference (P＜0.05). In the context of anterior submuscular transposition, there was nosignificant difference in length of the ulnar nerves between preoperation and postoperation(P＞0.05).Conclusion Anterior submuscular transposition can overcome compression and pull of elbow on the ulnar nerve and has sufficient blood supply. New cubital tunnel is wide enough to contain ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve anterior submuscular transposition is a useful method in treating cubital tunnel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the compression factor and clinical manifestation of the compression of deep branch of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. METHODS Anatomic study was done on both sides of 10 cadavers, the deep branch of ulnar nerve, the Guyon’s canal and the flexor digiti minimi brevis pedis were observed. Then from Jan. 1990 to Jan. 1997, 5 patients with compression of the deep branch of ulnar nerve at the wrist were treated clinically. Among them, there were 4 males and 1 female, aged from 37 to 48 years and the course of disease ranged from 1 to 5 months. RESULTS The motor branch of the ulnar nerve passed under the tendinous arcade of flexor digiti minimi brevis pedis. Occasionally, the branch of ulnar artery overpassed the motor branch. Clinically, the tendinous arcade compressed the motor branch was released, and after 2 to 4 years follow-up, the clinical results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION The main compression factor of the ulnar nerve at the wrist is the tendinous arcade of the flexor digiti minimi brevis pedis, the tendinous arcade should be released sufficiently during the operation.