Evaluation of the Results of Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment and rehabilitation of cubital tunnel syndrome patients. We treated 21 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, comprising 12 women and 9 men aged 45 to 58. The syndrome affected 13 left and 8 right upper limbs. According to the modified McGowan classification patients experienced varying levels of change: 17 (81%) patients, grade 3; 3patients (14%), - 2B; 1patient (5%), - 2A. The following patients qualified for surgical treatment: those with pain in the medial side of the elbow joint, those with advanced dysaesthesia and weakness in the motor activity of the hand, and those with changes causing subluxation of the ulnar nerve. All patients were treated surgically through anterior transposition if necessary epineurotomy.The rehabilitation process included exercises involving stretching, relaxing and strengthening of muscle and improvement of the mobility of the elbow. Neuromobilisation and automobilisation exercises were conducted. Patients were taught the correct positioning of the upper limb during work and physical activity. After 12 months, the research results were rated according to the modified criteria of Wilson and Krout. In 16 (76.2%) patients the results were excellent; in 16 (19%) good and in 1 (4.8%) fair. It was found that the vast majority of patients with advanced changes caused by cubital tunnel syndrome and subluxation of the ulnar nerve can achieved excellent and good results from decompression and transposition of the ulnar nerve and competent rehabilitation treatment.