Dellon's anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve: Retrospective study of 82 operated patients with 11.5 years' follow-up.

Anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve described by Dellon can solve the dynamic component of cubital tunnel syndrome at the elbow. We carried out a retrospective, single-surgeon study. The McGowan scale as modified by Goldberg (MG) was used preoperatively and at the final assessment; the QuickDASH was completed at the final assessment. The cohort comprised of 82 patients (38 females, 44 males) with a mean age of 61.2 years (37-92). The preoperative MG grade was: stage I (52%), IIA (28%), IIB (16%), III (4%). Three postoperative complications (3.5%) were recorded: two hematomas that did not require surgical revision and one case of elbow stiffness that resolved with physical therapy. Mean follow-up was 11.1 years (11-12). We identified 5 cases of confirmed recurrences (5.9%), 7 of secondary deterioration (8.5%) and 3 of initially poor result (3.5%). Sixty-six patients (86%) considered themselves cured at the final assessment. The MG scale at the last follow-up was: stage 0 (85.5%), I (9%), IIA (5%), III (0%). The QuickDASH was 11.88 (11-16). Mean time to recurrence was 6.3 years (1.5-10). Dellon's anterior submuscular transposition can be considered a reliable procedure. Eighty-six percent of patients were cured and 6% recurrence rate was noted. However, this is a demanding procedure.