OBJECTIVETo investigate the causes and operations for entrapment syndrome of posterior interosseous nerve caused by elbow cyst.

METHODSForm March 2005 to March 2012,5 patients with entrapment syndrome of posterior interosseous nerve caused by elbow cyst were treated with surgical excision and neurolysis including 3 males and 2 females with an average age of 50.4 years old ranging from 35 to 60 years old. The course was from 3 to 10 months with an average of 6.3 months. The main clinical symptoms were pain on the outside of the forearm. The extension muscle power of the metacarpophalangeal joints at the fingers and the wrist had decreased. The EMC showed neurogenic damage or nerve conduction slowing down. According to the functional neurological evaluation standard of British Medical Research Institute ,the motion and sensory function after nerve injury was assessed.

RESULTSPatients were followed up for 3 to 15 months with an average of 8.5 months. Wound healing in patients was good after the operations. There were no significant complications. Three patients were excellent (M4S3+) and 2 patients were good (M3S3). The hand joint function of 5 patients recovered well after operation.

CONCLUSIONThe surgical excision and neurolysis for treatment of entrapment syndrome of posterior interosseous nerve caused by elbow ganglions cyst can remove the entrapment syndrome of the posterior interosseous nerve thoroughly ,promote the neurological function recovery. According to the functional evaluation standard ,operations achieved better therapeutic effect.