Treatment outcome of tardy ulnar nerve palsy associated with traumatic cubitus valgus by supracondylar shortening wedge rotary osteotomy and ulnar nerve in situ tension release

BACKGROUND: Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is a common late complication of traumatic cubitus valgus. At present, the treatment of tardy ulnar nerve palsy associated with traumatic cubitus valgus is still controversial, whether these two problems can be corrected safely and effectively in one operation is still unclear. To investigate the supracondylar shortening wedge rotary osteotomy combined with in situ tension release of the ulnar nerve in the treatment of tardy ulnar nerve palsy associated with traumatic cubitus valgus. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2019, 16 patients who had traumatic cubitus valgus deformities with tardy ulnar nerve palsy were treated with simultaneous supracondylar shortening wedge rotary osteotomy and ulnar nerve in situ tension release. we compared a series of indicators of preoperative and postoperative follow-up for at least 24 months, (1) elbow range of motion; (2) the radiographic correction of the preoperative and postoperative humerus-elbow-wrist angles; (3) the static two-point discrimination and grip strength; and (4) the preoperative and postoperative DASH scores of upper limb function. The minimum follow-up was 24 months postoperative (mean, 33 months; range, 24 ~ 44 months). RESULTS: The mean ROM was improved from 107 ° preoperatively to 122 ° postoperatively (P = 0.001). The mean preoperative elbow wrist angle was 24.6 °, and the mean postoperative humerus-elbow wrist angle was 12.1 ° (P < 0.001). The average grip strength and static two-point discrimination improved from 21 kgf and 8 mm to 28 kgf and 4.0 mm (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The ulnar nerve symptoms were improved in all patients except one. The mean HASH score improved from 29 to 16 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Supracondylar shortening wedge rotary osteotomy combined with in situ tension release of ulnar nerve is an effective method for the treatment of traumatic cubitus valgus with tardy ulnar nerve palsy, which restored the normal biomechanical characteristics of the affected limb and improved the elbow joint function. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05324-7.