Validity of computed tomographic measurements and morphological comparison of cubital tunnel in idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Background Ulnar neuropathy is a common reason for referral to hand surgeons, and 10 to 30% of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is idiopathic. We hypothesized that the cause of idiopathic CuTS is in the bony structure. Methods We analyzed 79 elbows (39 idiopathic CuTS and 40 without CuTS symptom) using computed tomography and Materialize Mimics software to compare the differences between the two groups. We proposed a new bony cubital tunnel with a new boundary that could play a role in ulnar nerve compression symptom. Results The mean cubital tunnel volume was 1245.6 mm3 in all patients, 1180.6 mm3 in CuTS patients, and 1282.3 mm3 in the control group. A significant difference (p = 0.015) between two groups was found. Bony cubital tunnel cross-sectional area, cubital tunnel depth, and cubital tunnel angle also showed significant differences. Conclusion The shape of the bony cubital tunnel is an important cause of CuTS, and the normal variation of the volume and cross-sectional area of the cubital tunnel and cubital tunnel angle could influence the occurrence of idiopathic CuTS.

Keywords

• Ulnar nerve compression neuropathy
• Idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome
• Bony structure variation
• Computed tomography
• 3D modeling