Reoperation on recurrence of cubital tunnel syndrome:analysis of 16 cases

Objective To analyse the cause for inducing the recurrence of postoprative cubital tunnel syndrome,and improve the treatment outcome.Methods The operative findings in 16 reoperation patients who had undergone unsuccessful initial surgery treatment were summarized,clinical factors of reoperation were analyzed.Results The causes of recurrence included:incomplete decompression(dense perineural scar in ulnar nerve bed and nerve compression site) reached 65.67%;Insufficent fixation of ulnar nerve at elbow after anterior transposition(The nerve suspend by sew or bank into the sulcus) 14.93% and other reasons 17.9%.The outcome was satisfactory after modified reoperation.Conclusion The most important factors in surgery treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome are complete decompression and enough release to ulnar nerve,reliable fixation and well blood supply of nerve bed.