Nerve Transfers for the Restoration of Wrist, Finger, and Thumb Extension After High Radial Nerve Injury.
High radial nerve injury is a common pattern of peripheral nerve injury most often associated with orthopedic trauma. Nerve transfers to the wrist and finger extensors, often from the median nerve, offer several advantages when compared to nerve repair or grafting and tendon transfer. In this article, we discuss the forearm anatomy pertinent to performing these nerve transfers and review the literature surrounding nerve transfers for wrist, finger, and thumb extension. A suggested algorithm for management of acute traumatic high radial nerve palsy is offered, and our preferred surgical technique for treatment of high radial nerve palsy is provided.
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 9th Avenue, Mailstop #359796, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Mitchell A
MA
Pet
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 9th Avenue, Mailstop #359796, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Angelo B
AB
Lipira
Division of Plastic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 19-250, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: Jason.ko@nm.org.
Jason H
JH
Ko
D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013709:Tendon Transfer; D013933:Thumb / Q000294:innervation; D014953:Wrist / Q000294:innervation
Finger extension; Nerve transfer; Radial nerve injury; Thumb extension; Wrist extension