Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve using a non-compressing fasciodermal sling

Abstract

Sixteen elbows of fourteen patients were analyzed five to sixty months after treatment for ulnar neuritis or neuropathy by anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve using a non-compressing fasciodermal sling to maintain the anterior position. This procedure creates a septum in the mid-lateral plane that lies posterior to the transposed nerve at the level of the medial epicondyle. Unlike previous procedures, no structure other than subcutaneous fat is located superficial to the nerve. Seven patients were baseball pitchers who had experienced transient but severe ulnarnerve paresthesias during the act of throwing. Of the sixteen extremities only one, the limb of a severely diabetic patient with bilateral ulnar neuropathy, was not relieved of preoperative complaints. There were no complications. The procedure is simple, postoperative immobilization is needed for only a brief period, and rehabilitation is rapid.