Modern Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence and Controversy.

J Hand Surg Glob Online · Jul 2023 · Review

Graf A, Ahmed AS, Roundy R, Gottschalk MB, Dempsey A

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONCubital tunnel syndrome treatment involves conservative options and various surgical approaches; diagnosis remains challenging without standard algorithm despite multiple imaging modalities available.
Abstract, as published

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral mononeuropathy in the upper extremity. However, the diagnosis and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome remains controversial without a standard algorithm. Although diagnosis can often be made from the patient's history and physical examination alone, electrodiagnostic studies, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance image (MRI) can also be useful in diagnosing the disease and selecting the most appropriate treatment option. Treatment options include conservative nonoperative techniques as well as various surgical options, including in situ decompression with or without transposition, medial epicondylectomy, and nerve transfer in advanced disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most up-to-date literature regarding cubital tunnel syndrome and propose a treatment algorithm to provide clarity about the challenges of treating this complex patient population.

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