Paradox in the cubital tunnel syndrome--frequent involvement of left elbow: first report

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2014 Jan;156(1):165-8. doi: 10.1007/s00701-013-1851-5. Epub 2013 Aug 31.

Abstract

Objective: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common compression neuropathy in the arm, but the existence of a compressive cause has not been determined conclusively and the majority of the cases are idiopathic. In this paper, involvement sides of limbs of patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were studied.

Material and methods: Between October 2008 and December 2011, the clinical assessment of consecutive operated patients with cubital tunnel syndrome in Rize Education and Research Hospital were analysed. The diagnosis and severity of syndrome was based on electro-diagnostic study.

Results: This study included 57 consecutive patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (39 men, 18 women; mean age, 44,7 years; range, 23-79 years; mean age, 44,7 years; range, 23-79 years); 31 patients underwent surgical treatment. Involvement was on the right side in 18 and on the left in 39 patients. Severity scores and MCV were statistically significant between sides.

Conclusion: Profound involvement with cubital tunnel was found in left elbow. According to the finding of non-dominant elbow involvement in our study, the exact etiology and ideal management of cubital tunnel syndrome continues to be heavily debated.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / etiology
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / surgery
  • Elbow / physiopathology*
  • Elbow / surgery
  • Elbow Joint / physiopathology*
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult