Pathogenesis and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome caused by osteoarthrosis of the elbow joint.

We consider the primary cause of cubital tunnel syndrome caused by osteoarthrosis of the elbow joint to be degenerative osteophytes originating in the humeroulnar joint underneath the ulnar nerve. In the operative procedure the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel is fully exposed by cutting the soft tissues covering the nerve, because some of the soft tissues often seem to compress the nerve. Internal neurolysis is performed with microscopy in cases where the constriction is severe. Osteophytes in the humeroulnar joint underneath the nerve are removed. The osteophytes and loose bodies in the anterior and the posterior parts of the joint are also removed to increase joint motion. In 75 of 77 cases recovery of the ulnar nerve palsy and improvement in the range of joint motion were obtained.