Epidemiology and Estimated Cost of Surgery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Conducted by the Unified Health System in Brazil (2005­2015)

Introduction Cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS) is responsible for one of the types of ulnar nerve neuropathy and is the second cause of compressive neuropathy of the upper limb, only surpassed by carpal tunnel syndrome. Objective To describe the epidemiological data of the ulnar nerve transposition surgical code in the treatment of CTS by the United Health System (SUS) from 2005 to 2015. Methodology This is a descriptive epidemiological study, in which data were obtained through consultation of the DATASUS database. Results/Discussion During this period, 774 procedures were performed and, despite the addition of 20.3 million people to the Brazilian population, the incidence was 0.33/ 1,000,000. National and international epidemiology point to a slightly higher prevalence of the procedure between men, in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Low permanence rate, as well as the absence of hospital deaths related to the procedure, infer that the procedure is safe, with low morbidity and mortality rates. Conclusion The annual incidence of the cubital syndrome submitted to surgical treatment at SUS in the Brazilian population was 1/7,670,833 in 2005 and½,174,468 in 2015. The cost of each surgical procedure during the same period ranged from R$ 318.88 to R$ 539.74. The mean hospitalization time for CTS surgery was 1.85 days.

Prevalência da síndrome do túnel cubital em trabalhadores portuários de São Sebastião, São Paulo / Prevalence of cubital tunnel syndrome among dock workers, Saint Sebastian, São Paulo, Brazil

Introdução: Os portos brasileiros têm um papel importante na economia do país. Apesar de haver um número expressivo de trabalhadores, existem poucas pesquisas disponíveis envolvendo o ambiente portuário que relatem que as doenças musculoesqueléticas mais recorrentes correspondem as dos membros superiores, como síndrome do túnel do carpo, síndrome do manguito rotador, cervicalgia e síndrome do túnel cubital, esta definida como uma neurite causada por uma compressão do nervo ulnar no túnel cubital na região do cotovelo. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência sugestiva da síndrome do túnel cubital no ambiente portuário. Método: Foram avaliados 72 trabalhadores portuários avulsos do OGMO do Porto de São Sebastião, São Paulo, por meio de um questionário semiestruturado, o exame clínico que incluiu a pesquisa de dor à palpação na região medial do cotovelo e a realização de duas manobras específicas para síndrome do túnel cubital, o teste provocativo de pressão e o teste de flexão máxima. Resultados: A idade média foi de 48,49 anos e um tempo médio de 23,13 anos de trabalho no porto; a síndrome do túnel cubital teve diagnóstico sugestivo em cinco dos avaliados, e apenas dois trabalhadores referiam dor no cotovelo antes e três depois do início do trabalho no porto. Conclusão: A prevalência do diagnóstico sugestivo da síndrome do túnel cubital foi de 6,9%, sendo maior entre os trabalhadores com maior tempo de trabalho (acima de um ano)

Background: Ports play a substantial role in the Brazilian economy. Despite the large number of port workers, few studies report that the most common musculoskeletal disorders among them involve the upper limbs, including carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff syndrome, cervicalgia and cubital tunnel syndrome. The latter is a neuritis caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel (CuTS) on the elbow. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of a suggestive diagnosis of CuTS among port workers. Method: Seventy-two independent port workers registered with the Labor Management Organ (Órgão Gestor de Mão de Obra ­ OGMO), Port of Saint Sebastian, were evaluated based on a semi-structured questionnaire and clinical examination, including investigation of pain on palpation of the middle area of the elbow and two maneuvers specific for CuTS, namely, the pressure provocation and maximal flexion tests. Results: The average age of the participants was 48.49 years old, and their average length in the job 23.13 years. Suggestive diagnosis of CuTS was established for five participants. In only two cases elbow pain had begun before, and in three after starting work at the port. Conclusion: The prevalence of a suggestive diagnosis of CuTS was 6.9%, and was higher among the participants with longer length in the job (over one year)