Nerve transfer to biceps muscle using a part of the ulnar nerve in brachial plexus injury (upper arm type): a report of 32 cases.
Thirty-two patients with absent elbow flexion secondary to brachial plexus injury underwent nerve transfer using 1 or 2 fascicles of the ulnar nerve to the motor branch of the biceps muscle. Twenty-six patients had root avulsion injury of C5 and C6; 4 had root avulsion injury of C5, C6, and C7; and 2 had lateral and posterior cord injury with distal injury of the musculocutaneous nerve. The follow-up period ranged from 11 to 40 months (average, 18 months). Thirty patients had biceps strength of M4 (flexion power ranged from 0.5 to 7 kg) and 1 had biceps strength of M3. All but 1 patient demonstrated signs of recovery of the biceps muscle. No notable impairment of hand function was observed.
Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital Department of Medical Services, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Leechavengvongs
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Witoonchart
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Uerpairojkit
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Thuvasethakul
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Ketmalasiri
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000637:transplantation*