title: Transfer of nerve branch to the brachialis to reconstruct elbow extension in incomplete tetraplegia: case report.
abstract: We undertook a brachialis to triceps nerve transfer to restore elbow extension in a 53-year-old man 5 months after he sustained a spine injury that resulted in a central cord syndrome. Within 3 months of surgery, the patient had recovered active elbow extension and had M3 level strength, which increased to M4 and 5 kg of strength by 12 months postoperatively. Despite transferring an antagonist nerve for triceps reinnervation, the patient had no problems controlling active elbow flexion-extension. Harvesting the brachialis nerve caused no permanent decrease in elbow flexion strength.
authors.affiliation: Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, University of the South of Santa Catarina (Unisul), Tubarão, SC, Brazil. drbertelli@gmail.com
authors.forename: Jayme Augusto
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bertelli
authors.forename: Marcos Flávio
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Ghizoni
mesh_terms: D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000601:surgery*; D020210:Central Cord Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D004550:Elbow / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation*; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*