Description of an Ulnar Endoscopic Nerve Decompression Technique

Authors

  • Francisco José Camacho García Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia
  • Gabriel Oswaldo Alonso Cuéllar Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia
  • Michelle Cortés Barré Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia
  • María Camila Peralta Páez
  • Jorge Felipe Ramírez León Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0120-8845(13)70002-6

Keywords:

ulnar nerve compression syndromes, decompression, surgical, endoscopy, elbow, neurosurgical procedures, evidence level: IV

Abstract

Introduction: Compressive ulnar neuropathy is a very well described disease of the upper extremity; surgical treatments consist of an open surgical technique in order to release the nerve. The aim of this study is to describe the endoscopic ulnar nerve decompression technique by using several different instruments.
Materials and methods: An endoscopic ulnar nerve release with an anterior sliding epicondylectomy was performed on 6 cadaver samples by using 4 different instrumental sets: laparoscopic, arthroscopic, spine endoscopic, and hysteroscopic. We studied the length of the incision, endoscopic anatomy and technical possibilities of ulnar tunnel release.
Results: This study presents the advantages and limitations of several instrument sets to endoscopically release the ulnar nerve at the elbow. A unique optical instrument with a working gap allows the surgeon to perform the release by using a single endoscopic portal.
Discussion: Endoscopic ulnar nerve decompression allows the surgeon to perform a less traumatic release of structures. An endoscopic surgical approach allows a safe release of the ulnar nerve throughout the ulnar tunnel and also allows the performance of additional procedures, such as partial epicondylectomy and anterior medial nerve slippage.

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Author Biographies

Francisco José Camacho García, Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia

Médico ortopedista, cirujano de mano, Director de Investigación, Patentes y Desarrollo, Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI), Bogotá, Colombia.

Gabriel Oswaldo Alonso Cuéllar, Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia

Médico veterinario zootecnista, Coordinador de Formación e Investigación, CLEMI, Bogotá, Colombia.

Michelle Cortés Barré, Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia

Médica, magíster en educación, asesora académica y metodológica, CLEMI, Bogotá, Colombia.

María Camila Peralta Páez

Instrumentadora quirúrgica.

Jorge Felipe Ramírez León, Fundación Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación y Entrenamiento en Cirugía de Mínima Invasión (CLEMI). Bogotá, Colombia

Médico ortopedista, cirujano de columna, Presidente, CLEMI, Bogotá, Colombia.

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Published

2013-06-25

How to Cite

1.
Camacho García FJ, Alonso Cuéllar GO, Cortés Barré M, Peralta Páez MC, Ramírez León JF. Description of an Ulnar Endoscopic Nerve Decompression Technique. Rev. Colomb. Ortop. Traumatol. [Internet]. 2013 Jun. 25 [cited 2026 Mar. 15];27(2):83-8. Available from: https://revistasccotorg.biteca.online/index.php/rccot/article/view/486

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Original research

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Copyright (c) 2024 Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

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