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Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.

Contact Information:

Dr Scott Parsons
+44 1865 223489
understudy@ndorms.ox.ac.uk


Mr Dominic Power
+44 121 371 2000
dominic.power@uhb.nhs.uk


More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.

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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Comparing endoscopic decompression of the ulnar nerve with open decompression in the surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome
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Comparing endoscopic decompression of the ulnar nerve with open decompression in the surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome

Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Adult

Birmingham Salford Exeter Coventry

Medical Conditions

Cubital tunnel syndrome

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


Cubital tunnel syndrome is when a nerve is squashed at the elbow causing tingling and numbness in the hand, clumsiness of fine finger movements and loss of grip strength. Persisting symptoms can be treated with decompression surgery to release tight structures lying over the nerve.
There are two ways of performing decompression, one with open surgery where a cut is made in the skin along the course of the nerve, the other by keyhole surgery (endoscopic), with a small cut and using a camera to help see the nerve.
There are potential advantages and disadvantages of both techniques. After release, if the nerve moves excessively as the elbow bends the surgeon may need to correct the movement. This is easier with an open technique, but the extra scar from open surgery may cause symptoms to return. The keyhole surgery uses a smaller incision which may allow patients to recovery more quickly but is not currently performed regularly by UK surgeons.

To help design the best study we conducted a national survey of specialist surgeons who treat this condition and consulted researchers, statisticians, health economists and patients treated for cubital tunnel syndrome. A group of patients who have had treatment for cubital tunnel have agreed to be part of the patient and public advisory group (PPAG). They have helped design the study to make it easy for patients to take part with little burden. They have reviewed the selected outcomes measures and agreed that the PRUNE (Patient Reported Ulnar Nerve Evaluation) score is simple to complete and relevant to their symptoms. The patient group will continue to support all stages of the study. We have a patient representative as part of the study team.
The results of this study will provide evidence to guide future decision making for patients and clinicians in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. We will publicise the study results widely to ensure they will be available to patients, the public, clinicians, healthcare managers and commissioners of treatment in the NHS.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

11 Apr 2024 30 Apr 2026

The study will involve two phases. During the first phase surgeons will be trained to do the endoscopic surgery and information will be collected to help understand how quickly they learn the new skill and how well patients recover from surgery. The second phase involves conducting a study to compare the open and endoscopic operations using a randomised controlled trial. Patients agreeing to the study will be assigned at random to one of the two techniques (open or endoscopic). Information about their condition and recovery will be collected before and after surgery for a period of 6 months; 334 patients will be included from hospitals across the UK.


Patients aged 18 - 80 years with cubital tunnel syndrome and willing to undergo surgical treatment

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. Patients with a previous surgery for CuTS in the same limb2. Pre-operative ulnar nerve subluxation at the elbow identified on clinical examination3. Clinical diagnosis of CuTS with normal neurophysiology studies4. Planned concomitant surgery in the same arm5. Patients unable to provide consent6. Patients unable to complete the follow up pathway including completing follow-up questionnaires


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
    Queen Elizabeth Hospital Mindelsohn Way Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2GW
  • Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
    Salford Royal Stott Lane
    Salford
    M6 8HD
  • Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
    Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital Barrack Road
    Exeter
    EX2 5DW
  • University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
    University Hospital Coventry Clifford Bridge Road
    Coventry
    CV2 2DX

We hope that the information from this study will give the NHS a clear answer to the question of which surgery is best to treat individuals with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS). We cannot promise that the study will help the recruited patients directly, but the information we receive has the potential to benefit all those with CuTS in the future. The procedures are already performed within the NHS and the surgeon has been fully trained to perform the operation. People sometimes feel uncomfortable answering certain questions about their health, or may feel unable to answer certain questions.

Dr Scott Parsons
+44 1865 223489
understudy@ndorms.ox.ac.uk


Mr Dominic Power
+44 121 371 2000
dominic.power@uhb.nhs.uk



More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.


The study is sponsored by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Health Technology Assessment Programme.



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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN65991101

Or CPMS 60315

Last updated 16 June 2025

This page is to help you find out about a research study and if you may be able to take part

You can print or share the study information with your GP/healthcare provider or contact the research team directly.   

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