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Anterior subcutaneous transfer of the ulnar nerve in the athlete

Methodist Sports Medicine Center, Department of Research and Education, Indianapolis, Indiana

James R. Ebben, MD

Methodist Sports Medicine Center, Department of Research and Education, Indianapolis, Indiana

To evaluate the effectiveness of subcutaneous subfas cial anterior transfer of the ulnar nerve in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome in athletes, we retrospectively reviewed athletes undergoing subcuta neous anterior transfer of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Criteria for inclusion in the study included active partic ipation in athletic activity, confirmed cubital tunnel syn drome, failure to respond to conservative treatment, and having an anterior subcutaneous subfascial trans fer as the only procedure performed. Twenty athletes underwent a total of 21 procedures. Results were evaluated by time to return to sport and a questionnaire developed to evaluate elbow function in the athlete.

The athletes returned to full activity at an average of 12.6 weeks. Average subjective postoperative scores were 84. Elbow rating scores averaged 9 (range, 0 to 10).

Anterior subcutaneous subfascial transfer of the ulnar nerve is a safe, effective means for treating cubital tunnel syndrome in athletes. The findings in this study are significant in that they confirm the effectiveness of the subcutaneous subfascial transfer procedure in re turning the athlete to competition. Of secondary impor tance is the development of an elbow rating question naire appropriate to the athlete.

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