title: Single tendon transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris for high radial nerve injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the outcome after single tendon transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) to the digital extensors for high radial nerve palsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Records of 10 patients aged 16 to 43 (median, 27) years who underwent single tendon transfer of the FCU to the digital extensors for high radial nerve palsy secondary to closed (n=4) or open (n=4) diaphyseal humeral fractures or deltoid injection (n=2) were reviewed. Two of the patients with open fractures also underwent treatment for non-union in a staged manner. Grip strength (power grip and precision grip) was measured monthly using an automated dynamometer. The range of motion of the wrist, and metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb and fingers was measured monthly using a goniometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients were followed up for at least one year. Preoperatively, the overall power grip strength of the injured hands was about 1/5 of the normal hands. At 12 months, the mean improvement was 202.5% for overall power grip strength and 43% to 57% for precision grip strength parameters. Compared with the normal hands, the mean deficit of the operated hands was 39% for overall power grip strength and 32% to 37% for precision grip strength parameters. At 12 months, mean wrist extension was 50.4º, with about 10º lag in finger and thumb extension. The mean total active motion was 86.7º in the operated wrists and 128.1º in normal wrists. The decrease in wrist flexion and ulnar deviation was 7.8º and 6.8º, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Single tendon transfer of the FCU is a viable option to restore hand function and strength following high radial nerve injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College & Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Ajeesh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sankaran
authors.forename: Ankit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thora
authors.forename: Sumit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dhal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D020425:Radial Neuropathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013709:Tendon Transfer; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: radial nerve; radial neuropathy; tendon transfer