Ulnar Nerve Compression, Cubital Tunnel Clinical Trial
Official title:
Sonographic Follow-up of Patients With Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Undergoing Open Neurolysis in Situ or Endoscopic Release: A Prospective Study
The investigators want to compare changes in cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve at the elbow after open release or endoscopic release.
The measurement of cross-sectional area (CSA) as a diagnostic tool to detect entrapments
syndrome in upper limbs has already been described (Ziswiler HR, 2002, Chiou 1998, Jacob
2004). US typically demonstrates an abrupt narrowing and displacement of the nerve within
the tunnel, possibly in association with a thickened retinaculum or a space-occupying
lesions (Puig 1999, Martinoli 2000, Okamoto 2000). As assessed by quantitative analysis with
US, the nerve CSA at the epicondyle is significantly larger in patients with CTS than in
healthy subjects or in the opposite normal elbow. An ulnar nerve area > 7.5 mm2 (Chiou 1998)
or 7.9 mm2 (Jacob 2004) at the level of the epicondyle had been indicated as the threshold
value for CTS. Previous studies (Voegelin 2010, Abicalaf 2007, Colak 2007, Lee 2005)
prospectively compared sonographic outcomes after decompression of the median nerve at the
wrist.
The investigators want to compare changes in CSA of the ulnar nerve at the elbow
hypothesizing that US examination is a useful tool to detect unsuccessful release and
defining which technique shows the best outcome in the first year postoperatively.
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Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment