Triceps to biceps transfer for restoration of elbow flexion following upper brachial plexus injury

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Upper brachial plexus injury in adults causes loss of elbow fl exion; when the primary nerve surgery has failed or the patient seeks treatment after 12 months of injury and pedicled muscle transfers are required. Most commonly, the latissimus dorsi or the Steindler flexorplasty is used. Material and Methods: We have transferred one of the heads of triceps muscle to restore the elbow flexion in such cases. In addition to return of elbow flexion, extension of elbow following surgery is retained. Ten patients suffering from upper brachial plexus injuries underwent transfer of one head of triceps to biceps tendon between December 2011 and August 2015. Results: The recovery of elbow flexion was Grade 5 in 1, Grade 4 in 4 and Grade 3 in 2; only three of the ten patients had no functionally useful elbow flexion. Seven of the ten patients had an adequate elbow extension following the procedure.