Using electrical stimulation to improve recovery in cubital tunnel syndrome
Official title: Conditioning Electrical Stimulation Enhances Recovery Following Surgery for Severe Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Alberta · NCT05395715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adding electrical stimulation to surgery can help people with severe cubital tunnel syndrome recover better and faster.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 28, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05395715 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with severe cubital tunnel syndrome and specific electrophysiological evidence of nerve damage.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with concurrent nerve injuries, prior surgeries for cubital tunnel syndrome, or coexisting neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the use of brief conditioning electrical stimulation to enhance nerve regeneration in patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome. It is a double-blind, randomized, controlled study comparing outcomes in patients who undergo surgery alone versus those who receive additional electrical stimulation. The goal is to assess both physiological and functional improvements post-surgery, as previous animal studies have shown promising results for this approach. The treatment is designed to be well-tolerated and takes only an hour, making it a feasible option for patients with significant nerve injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients suffering from severe cubital tunnel syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown efficacy for electrical stimulation in animal models, but this approach is relatively novel in human subjects with cubital tunnel syndrome.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients aged \>18 yr, 2. If signs and symptoms of severe CuTS (ie, McGowan-Goldberg grade 3) were observed, 3. If needle EMG examination showed evidence of chronic motor axonal loss and reduced recruitment in the ulnar-innervated intrinsic hand muscles, and 4. If electrophysiologic evidence of severe motor axonal loss with motor unit number estimation (MUNE) greater than 2 standard deviations below the normative mean. Exclusion Criteria: 1\) Patients were excluded if they had concurrent nerve injury, prior surgery for CuTS or coexisting neurologic conditions
Where it's running
-
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ming Chan
- Email: Ming.Chan@ualberta.ca
- Phone: (780) 492-1614
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.