title: Biceps-to-triceps transfer technique.
abstract: Lack of voluntary active elbow extension inhibits many important functions in persons with tetraplegia. Biceps-to-triceps transfer can restore this function in selected patients. This article outlines the basic problem, indications and contraindications, surgical technique, and postoperative rehabilitation protocol for biceps-to-triceps transfer using the medial routing technique with suture anchoring of the biceps muscle tendon unit into the triceps aponeurosis and olecranon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Ryan D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Endress
authors.forename: Vincent R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Hentz
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome