Biceps-to-triceps transfer in tetraplegia. The medial route.
Eight tetraplegic patients (13 elbows) were treated by biceps-to-triceps transfer. To avoid the risk of radial nerve injury, we chose a medial routing of the biceps. The mean follow-up after surgery was 17.8 months (range, 4-47 months). No complications were encountered. Active extension of the elbow was achieved in each case. The mean postoperative active range of motion of the elbow was 6 degrees extension and 137 degrees flexion. After the biceps-to-triceps transfer mean extension torque of the elbow was 3.7 Nm and mean flexion torque was 10 Nm. In eight elbows in which it was measured, there was a 47% reduction in elbow flexion power. Nevertheless no patient complained about that reduction, and all of them were satisfied.
Revol
M
M
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique--Hôpitaux de Paris, France. marcrevol@compuserve.com
Briand
E
E
Servant
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome