We tried to quantitatively evaluate the function of the intrinsic muscles in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.
The index-little finger distance (ILD) was measured from the tip of the index finger to that of the little finger at maximum finger extension and abduction. The difference of ILDs between affected and unaffected hands was studied and compared with the MCV.
Of 38 patients with an average age of 52.5 years, the difference of ILDs was 12.0±12.6mm (average±SD), whereas 34 normal subjects with an average age of 31.6 years had an ILD difference of 3.7±2.4mm. The difference of ILDs in patients were significantly greater than those in normal controls and showed a high correlation with their MCV (r=-0.70).
The difference of ILDs provided a good indication of the degree of dysfunction of the intrinsic muscles in cubital tunnel syndrome, and could be a useful parameter for observing the functional recovery of the intrinsic muscles after surgery.
