title: Median to radial nerve transfer to restore wrist and finger extension: technical nuances.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Traditional methods for restoring finger and wrist extension following radial nerve palsy include interposition nerve grafting or tendon transfers. We have described the utilization of distal nerve transfers for the restoration of radial nerve function in the forearm.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We review the neuroanatomy of the forearm and outline the steps required for the implementation of this transfer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We use a step-by-step procedural outline and detailed photographs, line drawings, and video to describe the procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This approach is technically feasible and is a reconstructive option for patients with this nerve deficit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery and Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093, USA. brownjm@nsurg.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Thomas H H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Mackinnon
mesh_terms: D005542:Forearm / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D020425:Radial Neuropathy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome