LONG TERM FUNCTIONAL RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF RADIAL TUNNEL SYNDROME – 1–13 YEARS FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Between 1994 and 2006, 58 patients underwent decompression of radial tunnel. The senior author using an anterior approach performed all procedures. 43 patients were available for follow-up evaluation at an average of 47.3 months (12–156 months). The average age of patients was 49.7 years (35 – 72 years) and the mean duration of their symptoms was 18 months (6 – 56 months). There were 12 patients (13 extremities) over 5 years follow-up. All had a trial of conservative treatment with steroid injections, physiotherapy and ultrasound therapy. All except 2 had nerve conduction studies which were inconclusive. The results were evaluated using Mayo elbow scores and DASH scores. Mayo scores improved from a mean of 62.37 pre-op to 87.13 post-op (p< 0.05) and DASH scores improved from 67.58 pre-op to 40.12 post-op (p< 0.04). 35 patients (81.3%) were satisfied with the surgery while 8 patients were not (4 patients had other pathologies). There were few complications – neuropathic pain-1, neuropraxia – 1 and residual pain – 2. Six patients who had simultaneous release of lateral epicondylar muscles and radial tunnel did extremely well and were satisfied. Hence there is a role for simultaneous decompression of tennis elbow and radial tunnel as recent studies suggest that extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon forms a continuous fascial sheath from lateral epicondyle to radial tunnel structures blending with supinator muscle. Based on our results, surgical decompression of radial tunnel gives good results in majority of patients with persistent radial tunnel symptoms with long-term relief.