Reconstruction of hook grip function of the fingers in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury

Abstract

We described a reconstruction method for restoring hook grip function of the fingers in patients with total brachial plexus injury. The paralysed latissimus dorsi muscle was transferred to the upper limb as a pedicle flap and sutured to the flexor digitorum profundus tendons. The muscle was then reanimated with two intercostal donor nerves to the thoraco-dorsal nerve. Fourteen young adult patients (mean 23 years, range 17 to 32 years) with traumatic brachial plexus injury who underwent reconstruction using this technique from 2000 to 2019. After mean follow-up of 65 months (range 20 to 170), finger flexion of strength greater than or equal to M3 was achieved in 10 of the 14 patients. The mean weight that could be lifted using a hook grip was 2.6 kg, and that which could be lifted with both hands was 4.1 kg. The intercostal nerve-innervated latissimus dorsi muscle transfer can provide useful hook grip hand function without the need to sacrifice donor vessels or healthy muscles. Level of evidence: IV