Objective To evaluate the surgical method and the results of endoscopic decompression and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Between May 2008 and August 2009, 13 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome were treated with endoscopic decompression and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. There were 4 males and 9 females with an average age of 47.5 years (range, 32-60 years). The injury was caused by fractures of the humeral medial condyle in 1 case, by long working in elbow flexion position with no obvious injury in 10 cases, and subluxafion of ulnar nerve in 2 cases. The locations were the left side in 6 cases and the right side in 7 cases. The disease duration was 4-30 months. The time from onset to operation was 3-20 months (mean, 8.5 months). Ten patients compl icated by intrinsic muscle atrophy. Results The operation was successfully performed in 13 cases, and the operation time was 45-60 minutes. All the wounds gained primary heal ing. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). The numbness of ring finger, l ittle finger, and the ulnar side of hand were decreased obviously on the first day after operation. The examination of electromyogram showed that the ulnar nerve conduction increased at 2 weeks, the ampl itude was improved, and recruitment of the intrinsic muscles of hand enhanced. In 10 cases compl icated by intrinsic muscle atrophy, myodynamia was recovered to the normal in 7 cases and was mostly recovered in 3 cases at 3 months after operation. The symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome disappeared and gained a normal function at 12 months after operation. According to the assessment of Chinese Medical Association and Lascar et al. grading criteria, the cl inical results were excellent in 10 cases and good in 3; the excellent and good rate was 100%. Patients recovered to work 12-16 days (mean, 14 days) after operation. No recurrence occurred during followup. Conclusion The surgical method of endoscope and microscope assisted three small incisions for treatment cubital tunnel syndrome has less invasion with small incision and complete decompression. Patients can recover to work early. It is a convenient and efficient procedure for treating cubital tunnel syndrome.
From 1984 to 1994, 236 different types of traumatic defects of foot were repaired by microsurgical tissue grafting. They included simple cutaneous flap in 187 and composite flap in 49. Among the 236 different tissue flaps, vascularized flap was used in 97 and pedicled flap in 139. The 4 fore-foot and 6 heel defects were repaired by composite skeleted cutaneous grafts with scapula and vascularized febula respectively. After the follow-up from 1 to 10 years, all the grafted tissues were survived and healed well. The functions were satisfactory, and 186 patients had resumed their original works. The key to good function following repair was to maintaion the integrity of foot structures and the sensation of the sole and heel.
Reconstruction and repair of atresia or defect of the upper portion of esophagus is difficult. From November 1980 to December 1997, forth-five cases, consisting 35 males and 10 females, were treated with microsurgical technique. The 45 patients fell into the following groups as esophageal atresia of various causes in 21 cases, anastomotic fistula or stenosis following reconstruction of esophagus in 7 cases and late carcinoma of esophagus in 17 cases. The types of reconstruction consisted of transfer of free jejunum with its lower portion carrying a vascular pedicle in 24 cases, free transfer of jejunal graft in 15 cases, free vascularized jejunal graft in 2 cases and free vascularized tubular skin graft in 4 cases. After a follow-up of 6-19 months besides eight cases died from late esophageal carcinoma, thirty-seven cases were survived and could take food by mouth. All of the benign cases could return to work. In patients having late esophageal carcinoma, the operative procedure could improve the life quality and facilitate chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Seventeen cases involving 18 fingers of acute rupture of flexor tendon within the Zone Ⅱ were repaired by microsurgical technique for reconstructing the digital sheath with biological membrane since 1989. The excellent/good rate based on Eaton grading was 89%. The main procedure of the operation. the early postoperative rehabilitation and active excercises were described.