1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine; University of Pittsburgh & UPMC

• Prospective database collected from surgical records of symptomatic patientsundergoing ulnar decompression surgery at the elbow

• Patient demographics and comorbidities were recorded, along with surgical detailsand type of anesthesia/nerve block. This study was approved by the IRB(Study 24020072).

• The primary outcome of the study was the change in the McGowan score (0-3based on severity of ulnar nerve symptoms/exam) from before to after surgerybased on history and physical as well as EMG data if present

• This was compared between the block and non-block groups

• Other outcomes included complications of the block, chronic neurologic symptoms,and presence of any new postoperative neurological deficits

• Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests or Fisher’s Exact Testas appropriate 

• Continuous variables were analyzed using two-sample t-tests. The level ofsignificance used was 0.05

• Within the study population, there were 32 patients who received a block and 106 who did not. 

• Demographics and surgical/block variables are noted in Table 1

• For the primary outcome, there was no significant difference found between their preoperativeMcGowan scores (p = 0.2456), the postoperative scores, or the change in scores (Table 2)

• Other outcomes such as chronic neurologic symptoms and new nerve deficit were similarbetween the block and non-block groups (Table 2). 

• The results of this observational, database study suggest there is nodifference in postoperative outcomes for patients undergoingdecompression surgery for ulnar neuropathy based on anesthesiatype. 

• This data builds on previously performed retrospective studies withsimilar outcomes. 

• Limitations include the potential bias of a non-randomized study, thesubjective nature of the McGowan score, and limited sample size. 

• Our data supports brachial plexus blockade for decompressivesurgery involving ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow.