Abductor pollicis longus transfer to restore index abduction in severe cases of cubital tunnel syndrome

Transfer of the abductor pollicis longus tendon to restore index abduction was performed simultaneously with ulnar nerve decompression in severe cases of cubital tunnel syndrome. Eighteen elbows in 18 patients were evaluated with an average follow-up period of 46 (range 12-120) months. The status of the ulnar nerve palsy was evaluated by the Yasutake's scoring method. The mean score improved from 48 points pre-operatively to 78 points at final follow-up (maximum score 100 points). Pinch strength improved from 39% of the opposite side pre-operatively to 81% finally and it reached a plateau one year postoperatively. Despite this improvement in pinch strength, atrophy of the interosseous muscle did not disappear in nine of 12 patients with a follow-up of more than two years. All patients were satisfied with the results of increased strength and stability in pinching ability. No complications occurred.