Patients › Elbow
Sindrom ng Radial Tunnel
Radial tunnel syndrome — causes forearm pain, weakness straightening fingers, and is distinct from tennis elbow.
Ano ang nararamdaman mo¶
Maaaring karanasan mo ang sakit sa panlabas na bahagi ng iyong itaas na braso at forearms. Ang discomfort na ito ay dulot ng compression ng isang nerbiyos na tinatawag na posterior interosseous nerve. Isipin mo ang nerbiyos na ito bilang isang cable na tumatakbo sa likod ng iyong braso. Kapag ito ay napipigilan sa radial tunnel, ito ay nagpapadala ng mga signal na tila malalim na sakit o tenderness.
Karaniwang lumalala ang sakit kapag gumagamit ka ng iyong braso. Maaaring mapansin mo na ito ay lumala pagkatapos ng mga gawain na nangangailangan ng pag-ikot ng iyong forearm o paghawak ng mga bagay. Halimbawa, ang pag-ikot ng doorknob, paggamit ng screwdriver, o pag-angat ng mabigat na grocery bag ay maaaring mag-trigger ng pakiramdam. Ang discomfort ay maaaring mas malinaw na mapansin kapag gising ka pa lang sa umaga.
Ang mga pang-araw-araw na gawain ay maaaring maging mahirap. Ang pag-abot sa likod ng iyong likod upang i-fasten ang bra o pagtupi ng iyong shirt ay maaaring magdulot ng matulis na sakit. Maaaring mahirap kang matulog sa gilid ng iyong apektadong braso dahil ang pressure ay nag-aaggravate sa nerbiyos. Bagama't mas bihira ang muscle weakness, may ilang tao ang napapansin na ang kanilang kamay ay mas mahina o mas hindi coordinated sa paglipas ng panahon.
Mahalagang malaman na ang kondisyong ito ay bihira. Walang iisang test na definitibong patunay na may radial tunnel syndrome ka. Karaniwang ididisenyo ng mga doktor ang diagnosis base sa iyong mga sintomas at physical exam. May ilang pasyente ang makakakita ng mga pagbabago sa MRI, tulad ng swelling sa mga muscle na kontrolado ng nerbiyos na ito. Gayunpaman, hindi laging naroroon ang mga finding na ito.
Ang treatment ay karaniwang nagsisimula sa non-surgical na mga opsyon. Ang pahinga, pagbabago ng aktibidad, at physical therapy ang unang hakbang na malamang irekomenda ng iyong surgeon. Kung ang mga measure na ito ay hindi makatulong pagkatapos ng isang panahon, maaaring isaalang-alang ang surgical decompression. Ang procedure na ito ay nangangailangan ng pag-release ng mga mahigpit na lugar sa paligid ng nerbiyos upang bawasan ang pressure.
Ang iyong karanasan ay maaaring mag-iba. May ilang tao ang makakahanap ng relief sa pamamagitan ng conservative care, habang ang iba ay nangangailangan ng surgery. Ang layunin ay bawasan ang sakit at ibalik ang function upang muling makabalik sa iyong normal na mga aktibidad. Panatilihin ang isang log ng mga bagay na nagpapabuti o nagpapahina ng iyong sakit. Ang impormasyong ito ay tumutulong sa iyong surgeon na gumawa ng plano na angkop sa iyo.
Ano ang nangyayari talaga¶
Ang radial tunnel syndrome ay isang compression neuropathy ng radial nerve. Ibig sabihin, ang radial nerve ay pinipiga o pinipresyon habang ito ay dumadaan sa iyong forearms. Ang radial nerve ay isang pangunahing "cable" ng tissue na nagpapadala ng mga signal mula sa iyong utak patungo sa mga kalamnan at balat ng iyong braso. Kapag ang "cable" na ito ay napipresyon, hindi ito makapagpadala ng mga mensahe nang maayos.
Ang radial nerve ay dumadaan sa isang makitid na fibrous tunnel sa iyong forearm. Isipin mo ang tunnel na ito na parang isang mahigpit na manggas o isang makitid na tubo. Sa ilang mga kaso, ang mga istruktura sa paligid ng tunnel na ito ay pumipiga sa nerve. Ang presyur na ito ay nag-iirita sa nerve at nagdudulot ng sakit, kahinaan, o pamamanhid sa iyong braso at kamay. Ang eksaktong sanhi ng compression na ito ay maaaring mag-iba mula sa isang tao patungo sa isa pa.
Karamihan sa impormasyon tungkol sa kondisyong ito ay galing sa maliliit na pag-aaral o indibidwal na ulat ng kaso. Dahil ito ay isang bihirang kondisyon, wala nang malaking halaga ng high-level evidence upang gabayan ang bawat desisyon. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang iyong surgeon ay maaaring umasa sa kanyang clinical experience at sa iyong partikular na mga sintomas upang matukoy ang pinakamainam na landas.
Ang nonsurgical management ang unang pagpipilian sa paggamot para sa radial tunnel syndrome. Karaniwang kinabibilangan nito ang pahinga, pagbabago sa aktibidad, at posibleng physical therapy upang bawasan ang presyon sa nerve. Maraming tao ang nakakahanap ng ginhawa sa mga conservative na pamamaraan na ito.
Kung ang mga nonsurgical na paggamot ay hindi tumutulong, ang surgical decompression ay isang balido na pagpipilian para sa mga refractory na kaso. Ang prosedurang ito ay kinabibilangan ng pag-release ng mahigpit na mga istruktura sa paligid ng nerve upang bigyan ito ng mas maraming espasyo. Karaniwang ito itinuturing kapag ang mga sintomas ay nananatili kahit may ibang mga paggamot. Mayroong patuloy na kontrobersya tungkol sa diagnosis at mga resulta ng radial tunnel syndrome, kaya mahalaga ang malinaw na pag-unawa sa iyong partikular na sitwasyon.
Mga maaari naming gawin para dito¶
Ang iyong surgeon ay malamang na magsisimula sa non-operative na pamamahala bilang unang hakbang na paggamot para sa radial tunnel syndrome. Ang pamamaraang ito ay nakatuon sa pahinga at pag-iwas sa pagliko ng siko upang bawasan ang presyon sa nerbiyo. Karamihan sa mga kaso ng pagkapit ng nerbiyo sa siko ay gumagaling sa pamamagitan ng konservatibong paggamot. Dapat mong bigyan ang mahabang nonsurgical na pamamaraan ng sapat na oras upang maging epektibo, dahil ito ay angkop sa karamihan ng mga kaso.
Kung ang pahinga lamang ang hindi magbibigay ng ginhawa, maaaring irekomenda ng iyong surgeon ang mga partikular na ehersisyo o terapiya. Habang ang ebidensya ay nagtataguyod ng pahinga at pag-iwas sa paggalaw, madalas na layunin ng physiotherapy na ibalik ang normal na pag-andar nang hindi pinalalala ang pagkapit. Ang layunin ay hayaang tumahimik ang iritadong nerbiyo. Maraming pasyente ang nakakakita na ang mga simpleng pagbabago sa araw-araw na gawain at banayad na paggalaw ay sapat upang mapamahalaan ang mga sintomas nang epektibo.
Ang medikal na pamamahala ay makakatulong upang kontrolin ang sakit habang nagre-recover ka. Maaaring mungkahi ng iyong surgeon ang mga anti-inflammatory na gamot upang bawasan ang pamamaga sa paligid ng nerbiyo. Sa ilang kaso, maaaring isaalang-alang ang mga injeksyon upang magbigay ng target na ginhawa. Ang mga paggamot na ito ay naglalayong paitiin ang pamamaga at bawasan ang discomfort. Nag-iiba ang epekto ng mga interbensyong ito, ngunit karaniwang ginagamit upang punan ang agwat hanggang sa gumaling ang nerbiyo nang natural.
Ang operasyon ay itinuturing lamang kung ang radial tunnel syndrome ay refractory sa nonsurgical na pamamahala. Nananatili itong viable na opsyon para sa mga kaso na hindi gumagaling sa konservatibong paggamot. Susuriin ng iyong surgeon kung kinakailangan ang surgical decompression. Ang prosedurang ito ay kinabibilangan ng pagpapalaya sa presyon sa nerbiyo upang ibalik ang normal na pag-andar. Karaniwang ito ay inialok lamang para sa mga kaso ng high radial nerve entrapment neuropathy na resistant sa ibang mga paggamot.
Kung kinakailangan ang operasyon, talakayin ng iyong surgeon ang pinakamainam na pamamaraan para sa iyong partikular na sitwasyon. Ang layunin ng prosedura ay decompress ang nerbiyo sa pamamagitan ng pagdisect ng fibrous tunnel sa buong haba nito. Tumutulong ito upang bawasan ang compression na nagdudulot ng iyong sakit. Nag-iiba ang recovery pagkatapos ng operasyon, ngunit karamihan sa mga pasyente ay nakakaranas ng malaking pagpapabuti sa kanilang mga sintomas. Gabayin ka ng iyong surgeon sa post-operative na pag-aalaga upang matiyak ang maayos na recovery.
Mahalagang tandaan na ang radial tunnel syndrome ay isang pain syndrome na dulot ng compression ng posterior interosseous nerve sa proximal forearm. Ang diagnosis ay nakadepende nang malaki sa clinical evaluation, dahil ang mga imaging tests ay hindi laging nagpapakita ng malinaw na mga senyales. Maaaring makatulong ang MRI sa pag-identify ng mga pagbabago sa kalamnan na may kaugnayan sa kondisyon. Gayunpaman, ang iyong surgeon ay pangunahing umaasa sa iyong mga sintomas at physical exam upang gumawa ng mga desisyon sa paggamot.
Karamihan sa mga kaso ng nerve compression ay gumagaling sa pamamagitan ng nonsurgical o surgical na paggamot. Ii-customize ng iyong surgeon ang plano ayon sa iyong pangangailangan, nagsisimula sa mga pinakamababang invasive na opsyon. Ang bukas na komunikasyon sa iyong care team ay susi sa pamamahala ng iyong recovery. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa mga inirerekomendang hakbang, maaari mong tugunan ang ugat ng iyong sakit at bumalik sa iyong normal na mga gawain.
Ano ang inaasahan¶
Ang radial tunnel syndrome ay isang pagpi-piit ng radial nerve sa iyong forearms. Bihirang kondisyon ito. Dahil ito ay bihira, ang karamihan sa impormasyong medikal ay nagmumula sa maliliit na pag-aaral imbes na sa malalaking pagsubok. May patuloy na pagtatalo sa mga eksperto kung paano ito masusuri at kung gaano kagaling ang mga gamutan. Ibig sabihin, walang iisang tinatanggap na pamantayan para sa diagnosis.
Ang non-surgical na pamamahala ang unang linya ng gamutan para sa karamihan. Maraming pasyente ang nakakahanap ng ginhawa nang walang operasyon. Kung hindi umuunlad ang iyong mga sintomas sa pamamagitan ng conservative na pag-aalaga, ang surgical decompression ay isang viable na opsyon. Lalo itong totoo kung mayroon kang mataas na radial nerve entrapment na tumatanggi sa ibang mga gamutan. Malamang na kailanganin ng iyong surgeon na maingat na suriin ang buong haba ng fibrous tunnel sa paligid ng nerve upang bawasan ang presyon.
Maaaring mag-iba ang mga resulta. May mga pasyente na gumagaling nang maayos, habang may iba na maaaring patuloy na mayroong mga sintomas. Dahil ang diagnosis ay kumplikado, hindi laging napapredict ang mga resulta. Kung kailangan ng operasyon, mahalagang pumili ng isang may karanasang surgeon. Minsan ay maiiwasan ang masamang mga resulta sa pamamagitan ng maingat na pag-iingat sa panahon ng operasyon.
Kung hindi ka gagamutin, maaaring manatili ang mga sintomas. Gayunpaman, maraming kaso ang aayusin sa paglipas ng oras at non-surgical na pag-aalaga. Kung kailangan mo ng operasyon, ang paggaling ay isang proseso. Inaasahan mo ang unti-unting pag-unlad sa loob ng mga linggo hanggang buwan. Huwag mag-expect ng agad na ginhawa. Ang layunin ay bawasan ang sakit at ibalik ang function.
Tama ang pagiging tapat na hindi lahat ng kaso ay ganap na nalulutas. May mga pasyente na maaaring manatiling hindi nasiyahan sa resulta. Kung bumalik o manatili ang mga sintomas pagkatapos ng pangunahing operasyon, maaaring isaalang-alang ang revision surgery. Gayunpaman, ang mga resulta ng revision surgery ay mas hindi napapredict at madalas ay mas hindi nasiyahan kaysa sa unang operasyon. Ang panganib ng pagkakaroon ng pangalawang operasyon ay karaniwang mababa para sa karamihan ng mga pasyente, ngunit maaaring mas mataas ito para sa mga nasa ilalim ng 50 taong gulang o sa mga may mga partikular na kondisyon sa kalusugan tulad ng chronic kidney disease.
Ang iyong outlook ay nakadepende sa kung paano tumutugon ang iyong katawan sa gamutan. Magpakatitiyaga sa proseso. Buksan ang komunikasyon sa iyong surgeon tungkol sa iyong pag-unlad. Ang mga realistic na inaasahan ay tumutulong sa iyo na harapin ang kondisyong ito nang may kumpiyansa.
Kailan kumonsulta sa doktor¶
Ang radial tunnel syndrome ay isang bihirang kondisyon ng sakit na dulot ng pagpi-piit ng nerbiyo sa forearms. Dahil walang pamantayang pagsusuri upang kumpirmahin ang diagnosis na ito, mahalaga ang propesyonal na pagsusuri. Pumunta sa iyong GP kung mayroon kang patuloy na sakit na hindi gumagaling kahit pahinga. Humingi ng pagsusuri ng espesyalista kung napapansin mo ang kahinaan, kawalan ng katatagan, o kung nakakaapekto ang mga sintomas sa iyong pagtulog o trabaho. Ang biglaang paglala ng mga sintomas ay nangangailangan din ng agad na atensyon. Bagama’t maaaring makita ang mga pagbabago sa kalamnan sa MRI, ang isang kliniko lamang ang makakapagdesisyon ng pinakamainam na landas. Ang maagang pagsusuri ay tumutulong upang maiwasan ang hindi kinakailangang mga pagkakalagay sa operasyon at tinitiyak na makakatanggap ka ng angkop na alaga para sa bihirang isyung nerbiyong ito.
Evidence & references
Overview¶
- Radial tunnel syndrome is a compression neuropathy of the radial nerve [2].
- Most publications regarding uncommon upper extremity compression syndromes, including radial tunnel syndrome, are small retrospective series or case reports [2].
- Treatment decisions for uncommon upper extremity compression syndromes are not typically based on high levels of evidence [2].
- Nonsurgical management is the first-line treatment for radial tunnel syndrome [1].
- Surgical decompression is a viable option for refractory cases of radial tunnel syndrome [1].
- There is ongoing controversy regarding the diagnosis and outcomes of radial tunnel syndrome [1].
- High radial nerve entrapment neuropathy cases resistant to conservative treatment are advocated for surgical intervention [14].
- Surgical treatment for high radial nerve entrapment neuropathy requires dissecting the entire length of the fibrous tunnel [14].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
- Bony encasement of the ulnar nerve can occur secondary to heterotopic ossification of the elbow [3].
- Chronic structural adaptations of the shoulder and elbow are correlated in professional baseball pitchers, but adaptations in shoulder strength or range of motion are not significantly related to chronic structural adaptations of the elbow [35].
- The humeral trochlea protrudes into the cubital tunnel during elbow flexion, causing dynamic morphologic changes in the ulnar nerve [38].
- Shoulder position increases ulnar nerve strain at the elbow in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome [45].
- Increased elbow flexion influences the intraneural blood flow of the ulnar nerve in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome [47].
- The mechanism of symptom provocation by the elbow flexion test in cubital tunnel syndrome cannot be explained simply by dynamic pressure in the cubital tunnel, suggesting other pathophysiological factors contribute [51].
- Ulnar nerve gliding is most severe during passive wrist movement in elbow flexion and forearm supination [53].
- A cadaveric study could not detect a definitive effect of elbow deformity (cubitus valgus/varus) on ulnar nerve strain or demonstrate the extent of acceptable clinical elbow deformity [57].
- The throwing elbow is a common source of nerve injuries due to the unique combination of anatomy, high forces, and sheer repetition associated with throwing sports [58].
- Dynamic ulnar nerve compression at the elbow can be caused by the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, an uncommon disorder with pathophysiologic mechanisms that remain to be elucidated [64].
Classification¶
- Radial tunnel syndrome is defined as a pain syndrome caused by compression of the posterior interosseous nerve at the proximal forearm [11].
- Radial tunnel syndrome is considered an illness construct based on speculative pathophysiology with no verifiable pathophysiology or accepted reference standard for diagnosis [5].
- Radial tunnel syndrome and posterior interosseous nerve syndrome are viewed as a single condition presenting along a spectrum of nerve entrapment [26].
- Radial tunnel syndrome and posterior interosseous nerve syndrome are distinct entities within the review of history, anatomy, and clinical presentation [6].
- Radial tunnel syndrome is classified as an unusual compression neuropathy of the forearm [12].
- Radial tunnel syndrome is classified as an uncommon compression syndrome of the radial nerve [2].
- Radial neuropathies are rare compared to other entrapment neuropathies [4].
Clinical Presentation¶
- Radial tunnel syndrome is a pain syndrome caused by compression of the posterior interosseous nerve at the proximal forearm [11].
- Radial tunnel syndrome is an illness construct based on a speculative pathophysiology with no verifiable pathophysiology or accepted reference standard for diagnosis [5].
- Radial tunnel syndrome and posterior interosseous nerve syndrome are viewed as a single condition presenting along a spectrum of nerve entrapment [26].
- The deep branch of the radial nerve and the posterior interosseous nerve are distinct entities requiring consistent terminology distinction [26].
- Radial neuropathies are rare [4].
- Muscle denervation edema or atrophy along the distribution of the posterior interosseous nerve is the most common MR finding in radial tunnel syndrome [27].
Investigations¶
- Radial tunnel syndrome is an illness construct based on a speculative pathophysiology with no verifiable pathophysiology or accepted reference standard for diagnosis [5].
- Radial tunnel syndrome is a pain syndrome caused by compression of the posterior interosseous nerve at the proximal forearm [11].
- Muscle denervation edema or atrophy along the distribution of the posterior interosseous nerve is the most common MR finding in radial tunnel syndrome [27].
- MRI has emerged as the imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of elbow pain in the athlete due to its high spatial resolution, excellent soft tissue contrast, and multiplanar imaging capabilities [67].
- Clinical evaluation is paramount in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome because electrodiagnostic testing often is not sufficiently sensitive to detect changes associated with the syndrome [10].
- Ultrasound may be able to better identify patients with early stages of ulnar neuropathy with negative electrodiagnostic findings [69].
- MRI is an effective diagnostic modality, and clinicians should be aware of primary synovial chondromatosis as a causative factor of cubital tunnel syndrome [21].
- Only a small number of individuals with MRI evidence of an anconeus epitrochlearis muscle (AEM) had clinical evidence of ulnar neuropathy [46].
- Radial neuropathies are rare [4].
- Ulnar neuropathies are more frequent in men [4].
Treatment¶
Non-Operative Management¶
- Nonsurgical management is the first-line treatment for radial tunnel syndrome [1].
- Initial treatment of most compressive neuropathies at the elbow is nonoperative, consisting of rest and avoidance of elbow flexion [36].
- Most cases of ulnar nerve compression improve with nonsurgical treatment [43].
- A prolonged nonsurgical approach is warranted in most cases for median nerve or anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) compression, as surgical decompression is rarely indicated [44].
Operative Management: Radial Tunnel Syndrome¶
- Surgical decompression remains a viable option for radial tunnel syndrome cases that are refractory to nonsurgical management [1].
- Surgery is advocated for high radial nerve entrapment neuropathy cases that are resistant to conservative treatment [14].
- In cases of high radial nerve entrapment requiring surgery, it is important to dissect the entire length of the fibrous tunnel [14].
Operative Management: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (General)¶
- Treatment decisions for cubital tunnel syndrome are not typically based on high levels of evidence, as most publications are small retrospective series or case reports [2].
- Surgery was effective in treating cubital tunnel syndrome, with more than 90% of patients cured or showing improvement in a multicenter study with a mean follow-up of 92 months [20].
- Most cases of ulnar nerve compression get better with surgical decompression [43].
- Reoperation after primary surgery of cubital tunnel syndrome gave satisfactory results for patients who fail conservative treatment [18].
Operative Techniques: In Situ Decompression¶
- In situ decompression of the ulnar nerve is a reliable treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome with a low failure rate [39].
- In situ decompression represents an efficient and safe method for cubital tunnel syndrome management [54].
- The endoscopic technique has proven effective in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome [42].
Operative Techniques: Transposition and Epicondylectomy¶
- Medial epicondylectomy is recommended for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome associated with abnormal nerve-conduction velocity [13].
- Both minimal medial epicondylectomy and anterior subcutaneous transposition can be used for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with a high rate of satisfaction [37].
- Partial epicondylectomy represents an efficient and safe method for cubital tunnel syndrome management [54].
Operative Techniques: Comparative Outcomes¶
- Current evidence suggests that different surgical methods to treat ulnar neuropathy at the elbow do not differ in their clinical outcomes [15].
- There is similar effectiveness between endoscopic (ECTuR) and open (OCTuR) techniques for the treatment of idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome, with similar outcomes, complication profiles, and reoperation rates [40].
- The patient-reported outcome of surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is good but is affected by preoperative symptom severity [9].
Operative Considerations and Diagnosis¶
- Clinical evaluation is paramount in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome because electrodiagnostic testing often is not sufficiently sensitive to detect changes associated with the syndrome [10].
- Elbow arthroscopy is not necessarily contraindicated in patients with a subluxating or transposed ulnar nerve [52].
Complications¶
- Radial tunnel syndrome is an illness construct based on a speculative pathophysiology with no verifiable pathophysiology or accepted reference standard for diagnosis [5].
- Most publications regarding uncommon compression syndromes of the radial, ulnar, and median nerves are small retrospective series or case reports [2].
- Treatment decisions for uncommon compression syndromes are not typically based on high levels of evidence [2].
- Radial neuropathies are rare [4].
- The short-term complication rate of cubital tunnel surgery is 3.2% [28].
- The short-term complication rate of cubital tunnel surgery is higher for patients with chronic kidney disease [28].
- Reoperation after primary surgery of cubital tunnel syndrome gave satisfactory results for patients who fail conservative treatment [18].
- Results of revision surgery for recurrent or persistent cubital tunnel syndrome are less predictable and satisfying than primary surgery [29].
- For patients with idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome, the risk of revision surgery following in situ ulnar nerve decompression is low [66].
- The risk of revision surgery following in situ ulnar nerve decompression for idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome is increased in patients younger than 50 years [66].
- Poor outcomes and unnecessary revision surgeries for cubital tunnel syndrome can be avoided with intraoperative attention to 7 structures distal to the medial epicondyle [17].
Recovery¶
- Surgical decompression is a viable option for refractory cases of radial tunnel syndrome despite ongoing controversy regarding diagnosis and outcomes [1].
- Most publications on uncommon compression syndromes of the radial nerve are small retrospective series or case reports, and treatment decisions are not typically based on high levels of evidence [2].
- Radial neuropathies are rare [4].
Key Evidence¶
- [L4] The article reviews the anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of radial tunnel syndrome, noting that while nonsurgical management is first-line, surgical decompression remains a viable option for refractory cases despite ongoing controversy regarding diagnosis and outcomes. [1] (10.5435/jaaos-d-23-00314)
- [L4] This article reviews uncommon compression syndromes of the radial, ulnar, and median nerves, noting that most publications are small retrospective series or case reports and treatment decisions are not typically based on high levels of evidence. [2] (10.1016/j.hcl.2013.04.014)
- [L4] This treatment approach leads to superior range of motion, improved or resolved ulnar neuropathy, and good to excellent long-term functional outcomes. [3] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.12.003)
- [L3] Ulnar and radial neuropathies were less common, with ulnar neuropathies more frequent in men and radial neuropathies being rare. [4] (10.1177/1753193419886741)
- [L5] Radial tunnel syndrome is an illness construct based on a speculative pathophysiology with no verifiable pathophysiology or accepted reference standard for diagnosis. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.03.020)
- [Paper] This article is a review of the history, anatomy, and clinical presentation of radial tunnel syndrome (RTS) and posterior interosseous nerve syndrome (PINS). [6] (10.1016/s0749-0712(21)00357-7)
- [L3] The patient-reported outcome of surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is good but is affected by preoperative symptom severity. [9] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.05.014)
- [L4] Clinical evaluation is paramount in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome because electrodiagnostic testing often is not sufficiently sensitive to detect changes associated with the syndrome. [10] (10.1016/j.hcl.2013.08.019)
- [L5] Radial tunnel syndrome is a pain syndrome caused by compression of the posterior interosseous nerve at the proximal forearm. [11] (10.1016/j.ocl.2012.07.022)
- [L5] This article is a review examining unusual compression neuropathies of the forearm, specifically focusing on the radial nerve, including posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, and superficial radial nerve compression (Wartenberg's syndrome). [12] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.10.016)
- [L4] The procedure is recommended for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome associated with abnormal nerve-conduction velocity. [13] (10.2106/00004623-198062060-00016)
- [Case_report] The authors advocate for surgery in high radial nerve entrapment neuropathy cases resistant to conservative treatment, emphasizing the importance of dissecting the entire length of the fibrous tunnel. [14] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.02.060)
- [L4] Current evidence suggests that different surgical methods to treat ulnar neuropathy at the elbow do not differ in their clinical outcomes. [15] (10.1016/j.hcl.2013.04.013)
- [L5] Poor outcomes and unnecessary revision surgeries for cubital tunnel syndrome can be avoided with intraoperative attention to 7 structures distal to the medial epicondyle. [17] (10.1177/1558944718771390)
- [L4] Surgery was effective in treating cubital tunnel syndrome with more than 90% of patients cured or showing improvement. [20] (10.1016/j.otsr.2014.03.009)
- [Case_report] MRI is an effective diagnostic modality, and clinicians should be aware of primary synovial chondromatosis as a causative factor of cubital tunnel syndrome. [21] (10.1177/1758573216683396)
- [L5] The authors advocate for consistent use of the terminology distinguishing the deep branch of the radial nerve (DBRN) and the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN), and recommend viewing radial tunnel syndrome and posterior interosseous nerve syndrome as a single condition presenting along a spectrum of nerve entrapment. [26] (10.1177/17531934241254706)
- [L4] Muscle denervation edema or atrophy along the distribution of the posterior interosseous nerve is the most common MR finding in radial tunnel syndrome. [27] (10.1148/radiol.2401050028)
- [L4] The short-term complication rates of cubital tunnel surgery are low (3.2%), but higher for patients with chronic kidney disease. [28] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.01.020)
- [L4] Results of revision surgery for recurrent or persistent cubital tunnel syndrome are less predictable and satisfying than primary surgery. [29] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.11.024)
- [L3] However, no significant relationships between adaptations in shoulder strength or ROM were related to chronic structural adaptations of the elbow. [35] (10.1177/03635465251317509)
- [L5] Initial treatment of most compressive neuropathies at the elbow is nonoperative, consisting of rest and avoidance of elbow flexion. [36] (10.5435/00124635-199809000-00004)
- [L3] Both methods can be used for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with a high rate of satisfaction. [37] (10.1016/j.jse.2005.10.007)
- [L5] The humeral trochlea protrudes into the cubital tunnel during elbow flexion, causing dynamic morphologic changes in the ulnar nerve. [38] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.05.026)
- [L4] In situ decompression of the ulnar nerve is a reliable treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome with a low failure rate. [39] (10.1177/1753193408101467)
- [L1] The current study demonstrates similar effectiveness between the endoscopic (ECTuR) and open (OCTuR) techniques for treatment of idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome with similar outcomes, complication profiles, and reoperation rates. [40] (10.1177/1558944715616097)
- [L4] The technique has proven effective in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. [42] (10.1177/1753193408094443)
- [L5] Surgical decompression of the median nerve or the AIN in the forearm is rarely indicated; a prolonged nonsurgical approach is warranted in most cases. [44] (10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00010)
- [L4] To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing that shoulder position changes the ulnar nerve strain around the elbow in living patients with CubTS. [45] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.01.014)
- [L4] Only a small number of individuals with MRI evidence of an AEM had clinical evidence of ulnar neuropathy. [46] (10.1016/j.jse.2018.03.021)
- [L3] Increased elbow flexion in patients with CuTS influences the intraneural blood flow of the ulnar nerve. [47] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.06.024)
- [L3] The mechanism of provocation of symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome by the elbow flexion test could not be explained simply by dynamic pressure in the cubital tunnel, and other pathophysiological factors could also be contributing. [51] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.11.013)
- [L4] Elbow arthroscopy is not necessarily contraindicated in patients with a subluxating or transposed ulnar nerve. [52] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.024)
- [L4] Ulnar nerve gliding was most severe during passive wrist movement in elbow flexion and forearm supination. [53] (10.5397/cise.2024.00934)
- [L3] In situ decompression and partial epicondylectomy both represent efficient and safe methods for cubital tunnel syndrome management. [54] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.014)
- [L5] The study could not detect a definitive effect of elbow deformity on ulnar nerve strain or demonstrate the extent of acceptable clinical elbow deformity. [57] (10.1186/s12891-022-05786-9)
- [L5] The throwing elbow is a common source of nerve injuries due to the unique combination of anatomy, high forces, and sheer repetition associated with throwing sports. [58] (10.1016/j.csm.2004.04.012)
- [L4] Dynamic ulnar nerve compression at the elbow due to the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle is an uncommon, little-known disorder with much remaining to be elucidated about its incidence and pathophysiologic mechanisms. [64] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.11.002)
- [L3] For patients with idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome, the risk of revision surgery following in situ ulnar nerve decompression is low, but increased in patients younger than 50 years. [66] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.12.012)
- [L5] MRI has emerged as the imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of elbow pain in the athlete due to its high spatial resolution, excellent soft tissue contrast, and multiplanar imaging capabilities. [67] (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.004)
- [L4] Ultrasound may be able to better identify patients with early stages of ulnar neuropathy with negative electrodiagnostic findings. [69] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.08.014)
References¶
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