[Post-traumatic painful ulnar nerve compression syndrome treated by wrapping the nerve with the vein: preliminary report].

Three cases of post-traumatic painful ulnar nerve compression syndrome are presented. Previous treatment both conservative and surgical (neurolysis) proved unsatisfactory. The method described-wrapping of the nerve with the saphenous vein graft in the area of scarification-gave satisfactory outcome in 2 of 3 operated patients (significant resolution of pain and improvement of sensation) in one year follow-up. In one patient surgery failed. The method presented might be considered in refractory cases of painful nerve compression syndrome due to its entrapment within scarred tissue after injury or previous surgery.