Abstract
Objectives To better characterize the role of endoscopic cubital tunnel release in leprosy neuritis
and determine whether there is an improvement in pain, sensitivity, and strength with
the use of this minimally invasive technique.
Methods A total of 44 endoscopic procedures for ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow were
performed in patients who were previously diagnosed with leprosy neuritis. The inclusion
criteria were surgical indication for ulnar nerve release and clinical treatment failure
for 4 weeks in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who had their ulnar nerve function,
whether motor or sensitive, deteriorated progressively despite the treatment with
prednisone 1 mg/kg/day and physiotherapy. For endoscopic release, the CTS Relief Kit
(Linvatec. Largo, FL, USA) and a standard 4mm 30° arthroscope were used.
Results The study included 39 patients, 29 (74.4%) males and 10 (25.6%) females. The age
of the patients ranged from 12 to 64 years (33 ± 14.97). Five patients underwent bilateral
release. The release demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in pain
(p 0.002), in sensitivity (p < 0.001), and in strength (p < 0.001). The best results were obtained when ulnar release was performed less than
6 months after surgery indication. None of the procedures were converted from endoscopic
to open. No major complications (infection, vascular injury, and nervous injury) were
reported. One patient had ulnar nerve subluxation.
Conclusion The endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow in leprosy neuritis entails
true and safe benefits for the patient, such as improvement in pain, sensitivity and
strength.
Keywords
endoscopy - ulnar neuropathies - leprosy
