We evaluated the results of cubital tunnel release with endoscopic assistan
ce. Th study included 76 patients (85 elbows); 47 women and 29 men. Nine pa
tients had bilateral procedures. Patients were excluded if they had less th
an 1 year of follow-up, associated pathology at the elbow to account for th
e nerve compression, or recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome. Before surgery,
cases were categorized by stage of cubital tunnel syndrome according to Del
lon's classification: 33 (39%) elbows were classified as mild, 35 (41%) mod
erate, and 17 (20%) severe. Surgical results were assessed according to a m
odified Bishop rating system. The mean follow-up period was 32 months (rang
e, 12-52 months). Results were excellent in 42% of the elbows, good in 45%,
fair in 11%, and poor in 2%. Recurrence occurred in 3 elbows. There were n
o serious complications. The results of this study support our recommendati
on of cubital tunnel release with endoscopic assistance as a safe and relia
ble technique for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, especially in p
atients with mild to moderate symptoms. (J Hand Surg 1999;24A:21-29. Copyri
ght (C) 1999 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.).