Ulnar groove plasty for friction neuropathy at the elbow.

In this paper, we report on a new operation for ulnar neuropathy caused by friction at the elbow. The operation consists of ulnar groove plasty proximal to the cubital tunnel. The ulnar nerve is replaced into this reconstructed groove. Patients are relieved of discomfort, and motor and sensory functions are recovered. The nerve is kept stable throughout the full range of elbow motion and showed neither irritation nor adhesion. Friction ulnar neuropathy is traditionally treated by anterior transpositon or medial epicondylectomy. The ulnar nerve may become entrapped in scar tissue after these operations. We believe that this anatomical position is optimum for the nerve and that this procedure is essential for treatment of friction neuropathy.