Use of a pedicled adipose flap as a sling for anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve

Jonathan R Danoff; Joseph M Lombardi; Melvin P Rosenwasser

doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.12.005

Use of a pedicled adipose flap as a sling for anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve

J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Mar;39(3):552-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.12.005. Epub 2014 Feb 4.

Authors

Jonathan R Danoff¹, Joseph M Lombardi¹, Melvin P Rosenwasser²

Affiliations

¹ Trauma Training Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.
² Trauma Training Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Electronic address: mpr2@columbia.edu.

PMID: 24503232
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.12.005

Abstract

In patients with primary cubital tunnel syndrome, we hypothesize that using a vascularized adipose sling to secure the ulnar nerve during anterior subcutaneous transposition will lead to improved patient outcomes. The adipose flap is designed to surround the ulnar nerve with a pliable, vascularized fat envelope, mimicking the natural fatty environment of peripheral nerves. This technique may offer advantages in securing the anteriorly transposed ulnar nerve and reducing instances of postoperative perineural scarring. Patients experience good functional outcomes; most experience resolution of symptoms.

Keywords: Adipose; flap; neuropathy; transposition; ulnar.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adipose Tissue / transplantation*
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / surgery*
Decompression, Surgical
Humans
Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
Surgical Flaps*
Treatment Outcome
Ulnar Nerve / surgery*