Transfer of a single fascicle from the ulnar nerve to the biceps muscle after avulsions of upper roots of the brachial plexus.
Thirty-six patients with avulsions of upper roots of the brachial plexus underwent transfer of a single fascicle from the ulnar nerve to the proximal motor branch of the biceps muscle to restore elbow flexion. The mean period of follow-up was 22 months. The average reinnervation time for the biceps muscle was 3.3 months. Thirty-four patients achieved biceps strength of Medical Research Council grade 3 or better. The operative results in the patients with C5, C6 avulsions were better than those with C5, C6, C7 avulsions. At the last follow-up examination, grip strength, pinch strength, moving two-point discrimination and the strength of flexion of the wrist on the affected side was not worse than before surgery in any patient.
Sungpet
A
A
Department of Orthopaedics, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. raasp@mahidol.ac.th
Suphachatwong
C
C
Kawinwonggowit
V
V
Patradul
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation*; D009138:Musculocutaneous Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000601:surgery*