Clinical use of supinator motor branch transfer to the posterior interosseous nerve in C7–T1 brachial plexus palsies

Abstract

Object In C7–T1 brachial plexus palsies, finger extension and flexion are absent. At the authors' institution, finger flexion has been successfully reconstructed by transferring the brachialis motor branch to the anterior interosseous nerve. However, there is no reliable method for restoring finger extension. In the present study, the authors examined the surgical results of transferring the supinator motor branch to the posterior interosseous nerve. Methods Since October 2007, the authors have performed a supinator motor branch transfer to the posterior interosseous nerve in 4 patients. The patients underwent follow-up every 3–4 months postoperatively. Results Finger extension appeared between 5 and 9 months in the first 3 cases and demonstrated promising improvement over time. One recent case remains under follow-up. Conclusions A supinator motor branch to posterior interosseous nerve transfer leads to reliable recovery of thumb and finger extension. Therefore, it is a viable option for C7–T1 brachial plexus palsies.