Nerve transfer to biceps to restore elbow flexion and supination in children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy

Abstract

Purpose Nerve transfers to restore elbow flexion have been described for traumatic brachial plexus palsy in adults. Indications are less frequent in infants and the results are less published. Methods Ten patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy were operated on for lack of flexion against gravity with ulnar or median nerve transfer to biceps motor branch. The primary endpoint was improvement in elbow flexion and supination. Results Mean age at surgery was 12.5 months and mean follow-up was 2.6 years. The Active Movement Scale (AMS) was used to evaluate elbow flexion and forearm supination. At the last follow-up, the average AMS score improved from 0.3 to 5.7 for elbow flexion and from 0.6 to 5.8 for forearm supination. There was no statistical correlation between the age at surgery and the AMS score 18 months post-operatively. Conclusions Nerve transfer to the biceps motor branch can improve elbow flexion and forearm supination in selected patients with upper lesions and can be safely performed until the age of two years.