Endoscopic cubital tunnel decompression - Review of the literature

Abstract

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. Endoscopic cubital tunnel decompression has gained popularity in recent years as this enables surgeons to achieve decompression of the ulnar nerve along its course using a small incision. This article describes the technical peals in performing endoscopic cubital tunnel decompression. In conditions which anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is needed, subcutaneous transposition can be performed under endoscopic guidance. In addition, current literature is reviewed, and outcomes are presented. While short term results are encouraging, further prospective randomized study with longer follow-up is recommended.

Keywords: anterior transposition; cubital tunnel decompression; cubital tunnel release; cubital tunnel syndrome; elbow; endoscopic decompression; peripheral nerve entrapment; ulnar nerve; ulnar nerve entrapment; ulnar nerve subluxation.