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This article explores the surgical principles of endoscopic cubital tunnel release, including the release of all compression sites, preservation of ulnar nerve vascularity, and early mobilization of the elbow. It discusses the evidence supporting the use of endoscopic techniques and provides insights into the potential complications and postoperative care.
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Mark Rekant M.D. Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center Thomas Jefferson University Endoscopic CubitalTunnel Release
SurgicalPrinciples • Release all possible compressionsites • Preserve the vascularity of the ulnarnerve • Allow early mobilization of theelbow
Minimally InvasiveSurgery • GoogleSearch • “Minimally InvasiveSurgery” • Over 20 millionresults • “Minimally Invasive Cubital tunnelsurgery” • Over 33,000results
Endoscopic Cubital Tunnelrelease • “It is a patient driven procedurethat is performedthrough a smaller incision, is less invasive, and results in faster recoverytime.” • Tyson K. Cobb,MD
4 Prospectively Randomized controlledtrials • In-situ vs. anteriortransposition • Bartels et al, 2005 • Biggs et al, 2006 • Gervasio etal,2005 • Nabhan et al,2005 • No statistical difference clinicalresults • Higher complication rate withtransposition
2 meta-analyses in-situ vs.transposition • Including submusculartransposition • No differencein reported outcomes for transposition of anytype
3 Studies included in metaanalysis • 1461 papers reviewed, 6RCTs • 131 pts had in-situ decompression • 130hadtransposition in 3 includedstudies • 2 studies submuscular, 1 studysubcutaneous • No difference in NCV’s or clinical resolution between methods
WhyEndoscopic? • Endoscopic allows for a extended in-situ release with smaller incision and potential quicker return to function • Concerns • Technically demanding • Have all points of compression been releasedadequately? • Possible injury to ulnar nerve, cutaneous sensory • branches, crossingvessels.
Endoscopic CubitalTunnel Release • 2 different surgicalapproaches • Cannulated pushcut • Segway (Double barreldesign) • EndoRelease (Integra), Clear Cannula (AMSurgical) • Directdissection • Storz(Hoffman)
Indications • Persistent symptoms despite appropriate course of non-operativemanagement
Contraindications • Masses or space occupyinglesions • Severe elbow contractures requiringrelease • Symptomatic subluxation of the ulnarnerve • Prior ulnar nervesurgery • Priortransposition • Prior elbow trauma with scarred and adherentnerve • Limited external rotation of theshoulder
Technique • Local or generalanesthesia • Incision 15-20 mm long epicondylar groove • Cubital tunnel retinaculum incisedallowing • direct visualization of the ulnarnerve
Cu'bltal Tlmnel Cu'bltal Tunnel Subcutaneous Nerves /Tissue
Leading edge ofOsborne’s Ligament
SurgicalPearls • Release of the submuscularmembrane • Thickened fibrous bands at 3, 5 and 7 cm distal tothe • retrocondylargroove • Avoid muscle branches toFCU • Place arm on bump toelevate • Use slightly larger incision for first fewcases • Use the hooded speculum as adissector
SurgicalPearls • Adipose tissue(Proximally) • Makes visualizationdifficult • Avoid creating multiplelayers • Use 20 gauge Angiocath though skin placedadjacent to ulnar nerve to deliver Marcaine at end ofcase if general anesthesia used
Theevidence • Tsai, et al JHS1999 • 76 patients (85elbows) • Hoffman, JHS Br2006 • 76 nerves in 75patients • Ahcan and Zorman, JHS2007 • 36patients
34patients • Retrospective, 12 month followup • Equivalentresults • Less pain and higher satisfaction with endoscopicgroup • Higher complication rate in open group (11% vs 40%)– • includes scar tenderness and numbness at theelbow
Potentialcomplications • Injury to branches of the medialantebrachial • cutaneousnerve • Injury to the ulnarnerve • Hematoma (most common, Cobb JHS2010) • Keloidformation • Recurrent cubitaltunnel • Nerveinstability
Post opcare • Soft dressing – tegadermor acewrap • Immediate range of motionallowed • Full motion expected by first post opvisit • Most patients feel ready for return tofull • activities between 4-6weeks.
Endoscopic CubitalTunnel Release • Two different surgicalapproaches • Steep learningcurve • Potential for less post op pain andfaster recovery • Further prospective comparativestudies • needed.