Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is the development of late onset ulnar nerve dysfunction and is usually treated by open anterior transposition of ulnar nerve. Open technique is done using a longitudinal incision about 6-8 inch. in length with chances of development of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve neuromas. PURPOSE: In this study, we describe the technique of Endoscopic Anterior Transposition of Ulnar Nerve (EATUN procedure) to treat tardy ulnar nerve palsy and analyze the results. METHODS: Seven patients diagnosed to have tardy ulnar nerve palsy was treated by EATUN. The humerus-elbow-wrist angle (HEW), pre- and post-operative intrinsic muscle power and sensory assessment, Dellon scores, and the Q-DASH was analyzed. RESULTS: The minimum follow-up was 12 months (Mean 27.4 months, Range 12-36 months). Improvement in Dellon and Q-DASH scores following EATUN procedure was statistically significant. There was objective improvement of intrinsic muscle power and sensation on follow-up, though not statistically significant. No instance of neuroma of the medial cutaneous nerve of forearm was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is a good option in surgical management of tardy ulnar nerve palsy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00366-w.