Free microneurovascular muscle transfer in limbs to provide motor power.
The experience gained in a series of 7 free microneurovascular muscle transfers to the limbs over a seven-year period has led us to conclude that: free gracilis microneurovascular flaps can be safely transferred and can aid restoration of movement following severe injuries of the limbs, including post-replantation cases; inclusion of a cutaneous island with the muscle is safe, improves cover, and simplifies closure following muscle transfer; tendon adhesions and joint stiffness are the greatest obstacles to transferred muscle function, and early passive extension is recommended; additional procedures are usually required after muscle transfer, to improve the level of function; and additional experimental work is required to determine methods of establishing the correct resting tension in transferred muscles.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005542:Forearm / Q000294:innervation; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000294:innervation; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013524:Surgical Flaps