Improving Short-term Outcomes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Decompression with Intraoperative Dexamethasone.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative dexamethasone on short-term clinical outcomes following decompression procedures for cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) and its role in controlling postoperative inflammation.

Methods: A total of 114 patients with severe CuTS were categorized based on intraoperative treatment records into the study group (55 patients) or control group (59 patients). In the study group, 10 mg of dexamethasone was injected into the epineurium after ulnar nerve decompression. Postoperative recovery was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), PRUNE score, Modified Bishop score, two-point discrimination, and electromyography.

Results: The study group demonstrated significantly better recovery in the first 4 weeks postoperatively compared to the control group. VAS scores decreased from 4.69±0.95 to 3.56±0.88, and PRUNE scores improved from 51.38±9.79 to 40.87±7.82 (p=0.045). The Modified Bishop score at 4 weeks was 8.69±1.18 in the study group versus 7.49±0.88 in the control group (p<0.001). Although differences between groups lessened at 6 months, the study group maintained better short-term outcomes. No adverse events such as infection, nerve tenderness, or delayed wound healing were observed.

Discussion: Intraoperative dexamethasone significantly reduces inflammation and edema, promoting faster nerve function recovery in CuTS patients. Despite diminishing differences at 6 months, the findings highlight dexamethasone as a safe and effective option for improving short-term postoperative outcomes.