Ultrasound‐guided cubital tunnel hydrodissection: A cross‐sectional study of patient‐centered outcomes

Background Ultrasound (US)‐guided hydrodissection is a minimally invasive treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) with promising early results. However, data on patient‐perceived outcomes, durability of relief, and impact on surgical need remain limited. Objective To assess the effectiveness of US‐guided cubital tunnel hydrodissection in improving CuTS symptoms via patient‐centered outcomes. Design Retrospective chart review with cross‐sectional telephone follow‐up. Setting Quaternary medical center multidisciplinary outpatient hand clinic. Participants Seventeen patients (19 arms) with clinical CuTS who received US‐guided hydrodissection from one physician. Interventions Patients were contacted by telephone for cross‐sectional outcome assessment. Main Outcome Measures Patient‐reported improvements in weakness, paresthesias, and/or pain, percent pain relief, symptom improvement duration, adverse events, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores. Results At mean 7 ± 5 month follow‐up, improvement in weakness, paresthesia, and pain was reported in 12 (63%) extremities (95% confidence interval [CI] 41%–85%; p < .001) . Pain relief ≥50% occurred in 12 (63%) and ≥75% in 8 (42%) extremities, with mean duration 4 months. PGIC scores showed 14 (74%; 95% CI 54%–94%; p < .001) at least “minimally improved” and 8 (42%) (95% CI 20%–64%; p < .001) “much improved.” No adverse events occurred. Two patients without improvement underwent surgical decompression with anterior transposition at 1 and 3 months after hydrodissection, achieving 90%–100% pain relief and “much or very much improved” PGIC scores. Of 19 extremities, 7 (37%) were McGowan Grade I and 12 (63%) Grade II; none were Grade III. Grade II extremities showed significantly greater overall symptom relief ( p = .004) and pain relief ≥50% ( p = .004). PGIC scores did not differ significantly between grades (both p > .062). Conclusion US‐guided cubital tunnel hydrodissection was associated with meaningful symptom improvement and no adverse events. Limitations include small sample size, no control group, single operator, and potentially time‐limited relief. The procedure appears safe and a potential nonoperative treatment option.