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

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.