NCT01051869

Simple Decompression Versus Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve

A Multicentre, Randomized Trial of Simple Decompression Versus Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve for Acute, Displaced Fractures of the Distal Humerus Treated With Plate Fixation

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 56 (actual)
• Sponsor: Unity Health Toronto · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 16 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Both simple decompression and anterior transposition of the elbow nerve (ulnar nerve) for acute displaced fractures of the elbow (distal humerus) treated with plate fixation are currently used by surgeons. We want to examine which treatment will overall give better results in regards to arm function and residual pain.

Conditions

• Humeral Fractures
• Ulnar Nerve Compression

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Simple decompression	Fracture fixation will be performed through a posterior approach, as this provides excellent visualization of the distal fragments. A triceps split will be used to expose the distal humerus. A midline incision will be made from proximally to distal onto the shaft of the ulna. Equal portions of the triceps muscle will be reflected medially and laterally, with use of sharp dissection to remove the triceps insertion from the olecranon. The ulnar nerve will be identified and protected proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle. Fracture fixation will be performed after anatomic reduction using standard fixation techniques and plate fixation on both the medial and lateral column. In the simple ulnar nerve decompression group, no further treatment of the ulnar nerve will be undertaken.
PROCEDURE	anterior subcutaneous transposition	In the anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve group, the ulnar nerve will be placed subcutaneously anterior to the medial epicondyle free from any pressure.

Timeline

• Start date: 2010-09-01
• Primary completion: 2018-09-01
• Completion: 2019-09-01
• First posted: 2010-01-20
• Last updated: 2020-04-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada