Postoperative drainage is recommended in ulnar nerve transposition

Cubital tunnel syndrome, or ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, is the most common entrapment of the ulnar nerve and the second most common compressive nerve lesion of the upper extremity after carpal tunnel syndrome (1). Conservative treatment in early and mild cases consists of anti-inflammatory medications, elbow splinting, and modifications of sleep and work habits and elbow positions. When conservative therapy fails, surgical decompression is indicated. While postoperative hematoma requiring surgical drainage is rare, bruising, induration and swelling are common. These sequelae increase postoperative pain and inhibit elbow mobilization. To decrease these effects of postoperative bleeding around the ulnar nerve and to decrease scarring, it has been our practice to drain the wounds with a silastic catheter that is removed on postoperative day one. This study was undertaken to evaluate the amount of drainage observed and to determine if the amount correlated with any particular patient, anesthetic or surgical parameters.