Anatomy and clinical application of the approach of expansion and formation of ulnar nerve sulcus in treating cubital tunnel syndrome

Objective: To design an simple and effective operational approaach for treating cubital tunnerl syndrome(CubTs) on the basis of anatomy of cubital tunnel. Methods: According to anatomic characteristics of cubital tunnel and the pathogenesis of CubTs, the approach of expansion and formation of ulnar nerve sulcus with small cut was designed. 23 CubTs patients from December 2002 to February 2007 received this approach and were followed up. 6 moderate cases and 17 severe cases were ensured in this group according to Machinnin and Dellon's ulnar nerve compression standards. Results: The follow-up period was from 10 to 43 months (19.3 months on average). Symptoms of all 23 CubTs patients disappeared and cubitl functions recovered. Conclusions: The appoaach of expansion and formation of ulnar nerve sulcus enlarges the four walls of cubital tunnel and reserves normal soft tissues during the operation, whicch is helpful for relaxing ulnar nerve during the flexion of the elbow, and improving vessel microcirculation of the nerve. This approach is valuable to spread in clinic for it is simple and effective.