Early Restoration of Pinch Grip after Ulnar Nerve Repair and Tendon Transfer

Abstract

Restoration of pinch in ulnar nerve lesions may be achieved within three or four weeks by a one-stage operation combining nerve repair and tendon transfer. We have been using this approach for nerve injuries of the upper limb since 1961, to meet the socio-economic needs of patients who would otherwise need splints and long-term physiotherapy. In our experience, the procedure of choice is transfer of E.I.P. to adductor pollicis and E.P.B. to the first dorsal interosseous. The operative technique and its results in 18 patients followed up for 37–515 days are discussed.