Revision surgery for recurrent ulnar nerve compression following failed subcutaneous transposition

Recurrent ulnar nerve compression after primary anterior subcutaneous transposition is relatively rare, and revision surgery is challenging. This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of revision anterior subcutaneous transposition for recurrent ulnar nerve compression.

Eight patients who underwent revision anterior subcutaneous transposition for recurrent ulnar nerve compression were enrolled in this study. The outcomes were based on preoperative and postoperative symptoms, physical examination findings, and electromyographic evaluation.

Ulnar nerve enlargement was preoperatively found in all patients with a mean cross sectional area of 0.15 cm² (range, 0.14–0.18 cm²). Intraoperative findings showed that recurrent compression occurred in three areas, including the medial intermuscular septum (n = 5), the medial epicondyle (n = 6) and nerve entrance to forearm fascia (n = 1). Post-operation, significant improvements were observed in ring/little finger numbness (from severe to mild, p = 0.031), grip strength (from 48.00% to 80.38% of the intact side, p < 0.001) and McGowan grade (from Grade III to Grade I, p = 0.049). Postoperative electromyography test also showed significant improvement in motor nerve conduction at elbow (velocity, 23.30 ± 9.598 vs. 35.30 ± 9.367, p = 0.012; amplitude, 3.40 ± 3.703 vs. 5.65 ± 2.056, p = 0.007) and sensory nerve conduction at wrist (velocity, 27.04 ± 22.450 vs. 36.45 ± 18.099, p = 0.139; amplitude, 1.44 ± 1.600 vs. 4.00 ± 2.642, p = 0.011). Seven of the eight patients reported satisfaction with the postoperative results.

Revision anterior subcutaneous transposition was an effective treatment for recurrent ulnar nerve compression from prior failed procedures.