Abstract. Nerve transfer has become a common and often effective reconstructive strategy for proximal and complex peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb. This case-based discussion explores the principles and potential benefits of nerve transfer surgery and offers in-depth discussion of several established and valuable techniques including: motor transfer for elbow flexion after musculocutaneous nerve injury, deltoid reanimation for axillary nerve palsy, intrinsic re-innervation following proximal ulnar nerve repair, and critical sensory recovery despite non-reconstructable median nerve lesions

Aims. Improvements in the evaluation of outcomes following peripheral nerve injury are needed. Recent studies have identified muscle fatigue as an inevitable consequence of muscle reinnervation. This study aimed to quantify and characterize muscle fatigue within a standardized surgical model of muscle reinnervation. Patients and Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 12 patients who underwent Oberlin nerve transfer in an attempt to restore flexion of the elbow following brachial plexus injury. There were ten men and two women with a mean age of 45.5 years (27 to 69). The mean follow-up was 58 months (28 to 100). Repeated and sustained isometric contractions of the elbow flexors were used to assess fatigability of reinnervated muscle. The strength of elbow flexion was measured using a static dynamometer (KgF) and surface electromyography (sEMG). Recordings were used to quantify and characterize fatigability of the reinnervated elbow flexor muscles compared with the uninjured contralateral side. Results. The mean peak force of elbow flexion was 7.88 KgF (. sd. 3.80) compared with 20.65 KgF (. sd . 6.88) on the contralateral side (p < 0.001). Reinnervated elbow flexor muscles (biceps brachialis) showed sEMG evidence of fatigue earlier than normal controls with sustained (60-second) isometric contraction. Reinnervated elbow flexor muscles also showed a trend towards a faster twitch muscle fibre type. Conclusion. The assessment of motor outcomes must involve more than peak force alone. Reinnervated muscle shows a shift towards fast twitch fibres following reinnervation with an earlier onset of fatigue. Our findings suggest that fatigue is a clinically relevant characteristic of reinnervated muscle. Adoption of these metrics into clinical practice and the assessment of outcome could allow a more meaningful comparison to be made between differing forms of treatment and encourage advances in the management of motor recovery following nerve transfer. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:867–871

Abstract. Objective. Radial to axillary nerve and spinal accessory (XI) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfers are standard procedures to restore function after C5 brachial plexus dysfunction. The anterior approach to the SSN may miss concomitant pathology at the suprascapular notch and sacrifices lateral trapezius function, resulting in poor restoration of shoulder external rotation. A posterior approach allows decompression and visualisation of the SSN at the notch and distal coaptation of the medial XI branch. The medial triceps has a double fascicle structure that may be coapted to both the anterior and posterior division of the axillary nerve, whilst preserving the stabilising effect of the long head of triceps at the glenohumeral joint. Reinnervation of two shoulder abductors and two external rotators may confer advantages over previous approaches with improved external rotation range of motion and strength. Methods. Review of the clinical outcomes of 22 patients who underwent a double nerve transfer from XI and radial nerves. Motor strength was evaluated using the MRC scale and grade 4 was defined as the threshold for success. Results. 18/22 patients had adequate follow-up (Mean: 29.5 months). Of these, 72.2% achieved ≥grade 4 power of shoulder abduction and a mean range of motion of 103°. 64.7% achieved ≥grade 4 external rotation with a mean range of motion of 99.6°. Conclusions. The results suggest the use of the combined nerve transfer for restoration of shoulder function via a posterior approach, involving the medial head branch of triceps to the axillary nerve and the XI to SSN

Aims

Improvements in the evaluation of outcome after nerve transfers are required. The assessment of force using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grades (0 to 5) is not suitable for this purpose. A ceiling effect is encountered within MRC grade 4/5 rendering this tool insensitive. Our aim was to show how the strength of flexion of the elbow could be assessed in patients who have undergone a re-innervation procedure using a continuous measurement scale.

Nerve transfer is an emerging treatment to restore upper limb function in people with tetraplegia. The objective of this study is to examine if a flexible collage sheet (FCS) can act as epineurial-like substitute to promote nerve repair in nerve transfer. A preclinical study using FCS was conducted in a rat model of sciatic nerve transection. A prospective case series study of nerve transfer was conducted in patients with C5-C8 tetraplegia who received nerve transfer to restore upper limb function. Motor function in the upper limb was assessed pre-treatment, and at 6-,12-, and 24-months post-treatment. Macroscopic assessment in preclinical model showed nerve healing by FCS without encapsulation or adhesions. Microscopic examination revealed that a new, vascularised epineurium-like layer was observed at the FCS treatment sites, with no evidence of inflammatory reaction or nerve compression. Treatment with FCS resulted in well-organised nerve fibres with dense neurofilaments distal to the coaptation site. Axon counts performed proximal and distal to the coaptation site showed that 97% of proximal axon count of myelinated axons regenerated across the coaptation site after treatment with CND. In the proof of concept clinical study 17 nerve transfers were performed in five patients. Nerve transfers included procedures to restore triceps function (N=4), wrist/finger/thumb extension (N=6) and finger flexion (N=7). Functional motor recovery (MRC ≥3) was achieved in 76% and 88% of transfers at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The preclinical study showed that FCS mimics epineurium and enable to repair nerve resembled to normal nerve tissue. Clinical study showed that patients received nerve transfer with FCS experienced consistent and early return of motor function in target muscles. These results provide proof of concept evidence that CND functions as an epineurial substitute and is promising for use in nerve transfer surgery

We compared the quantitative electromyographic activity of the elbow flexors during four exercises (forced inspiration, forced expiration, trunk flexion and attempted elbow flexion), following intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve in 32 patients who had sustained root avulsion brachial plexus injuries. Quantitative electromyographic evaluation of the mean and maximum amplitude was repeated three times for each exercise. We found that mean and maximum elbow flexor activity was highest during trunk flexion, followed by attempted elbow flexion, forced inspiration and finally forced expiration. The difference between each group was significant (p < 0.001), with the exception of the difference between trunk flexion and attempted elbow flexion. Consequently, we recommend trunk flexion exercises to aid rehabilitation following intercostal nerve transfer

Supercharged end-to-side nerve transfer for severe cubital tunnel syndrome is a recently developed technique which involves augmenting the ulnar motor branch with anterior interosseous nerve (AIN). Previous studies suggested that this technique augments or “babysits” the motor end plates until reinnervation occurs, however, some authors suggested possible reinnervation by the donor nerve. We present two cases where this transfer was done for rapid progressive (6–9 months) cubital tunnel syndrome. The first case was a 57 year-old right hand dominant female who presented to us with severe right cubital tunnel syndrome clinically, including intrinsic wasting and claw deformity. The patient had significant loss of function and visible atrophy to her hand intrinsics over the last few months. Electrodiagnostic studies confirmed the diagnosis of severe cubital tunnel syndrome demonstrating axonal loss, positive sharp waves and fibrillations in the ulnar nerve distribution distally. The patient underwent cubital tunnel ulnar nerve release, subcutaneous anterior transposition, Guyon's canal release along with an AIN to ulnar motor nerve end-to-side transfer. Patient-based functional outcome instruments were prospectively collected with improved overall pain and function as demonstrated from a quickDASH score of 9.1 1 year post-op in comparison to a score of 34.1 pre-op. Recovery was monitored clinically and electrodiagnostic studies at 6 months and 1 year post-operatively. She demonstrated improved intrinsic muscle bulk and strength. The nerve studies at one year showed reinnervation with large amplitude motor unit potentials in the 1st dorsal interosseous and abductor digiti minimi but the 5th finger sensory response remained absent. The second case was a 58 year-old right hand dominant male diagnosed with severe and progressive right cubital tunnel syndrome. Clinically, he had significant muscle wasting and weakness and confirmed denervation on electrodiagnostic studies. He underwent the same surgical procedure as described for the first case and follow-up regimen. The patient demonstrated improved pain score and significant overall function recovery with a quickDASH score of 11.4 one year post-op in comparison to 72.7 pre-op. Nerve studies at one year confirmed our clinical impression, showing ulnar nerve reinnervation with large amplitude motor unit potentials in the 1st dorsal interosseous, while sensory response remained absent. It is yet unclear if end-to-side nerve transfers allow reinnervation of the target muscles. Previous studies have demonstrated clinical improvement with this transfer, however we are unaware of any electrodiagnostic studies demonstrating this effect. These two cases support the notion of reinnervation after an end-to-side procedure. Further studies are needed to assess outcomes of such nerve transfers

We report the case of an eight-month-old girl who presented with a poliomyelitis-like paralysis in her left upper limb caused by enterovirus 71 infection. She recovered useful function after nerve transfers performed six months after the onset of paralysis. Early neurotisation can be used successfully in the treatment of poliomyelitis-like paralysis in children

We performed intercostal nerve transfer in 19 patients to relieve pain from preganglionic injury to the brachial plexus. The procedure was successful in 16 patients at a mean of 28.6 months (12 to 68) after the injury

The transfer of part of the ulnar nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve, first described by Oberlin, can restore flexion of the elbow following brachial plexus injury. In this study we evaluated the additional benefits and effectiveness of quantitative electrodiagnosis to select a donor fascicle. Eight patients who had undergone transfer of a simple fascicle of the ulnar nerve to the motor branch of the musculocutaneous nerve were evaluated. In two early patients electrodiagnosis had not been used. In the remaining six patients, however, all fascicles of the ulnar nerve were separated and electrodiagnosis was performed after stimulation with a commercially available electromyographic system. In these procedures, recording electrodes were placed in flexor carpi ulnaris and the first dorsal interosseous. A single fascicle in the flexor carpi ulnaris in which a high amplitude had been recorded was selected as a donor and transferred to the musculocutaneous nerve. In the two patients who had not undergone electrodiagnosis, the recovery of biceps proved insufficient for normal use. Conversely, in the six patients in whom quantitative electrodiagnosis was used, elbow flexion recovered to an M4 level.

Quantitative intra-operative electrodiagnosis is an effective method of selecting a favourable donor fascicle during the Oberlin procedure. Moreover, fascicles showing a high-amplitude in reading flexor carpi ulnaris are donor nerves that can restore normal elbow flexion without intrinsic loss.

We conducted an anatomical study to determine the best technique for transfer of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) for the treatment of proximal ulnar nerve injuries. The AIN, ulnar nerve, and associated branches were dissected in 24 cadaver arms. The number of branches of the AIN and length available for transfer were measured. The nerve was divided just proximal to its termination in pronator quadratus and transferred to the ulnar nerve through the shortest available route. Separation of the deep and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve by blunt dissection alone, was also assessed. The mean number of AIN branches was 4.8 (3 to 8) and the mean length of the nerve available for transfer was 72 mm (41 to 106). The transferred nerve reached the ulnar nerve most distally when placed dorsal to flexor digitorum profundus (FDP). We therefore conclude that the AIN should be passed dorsal to FDP, and that the deep and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve require approximately 30 mm of blunt dissection and 20 mm of sharp dissection from the point of bifurcation to the site of the anastomosis. The use of this technique for transfer of the AIN should improve the outcome for patients with proximal ulnar nerve injuries. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:789–94

The December 2012 Wrist & Hand Roundup. 360. looks at: the imaging of scaphoid fractures; splinting to help Dupuytren’s disease; quality of life after nerve transfers; early failure of Moje thumbs; electra CMCJ arthroplasty; proximal interphalangeal joint replacement; pronator quadratus repair in distal radius fractures; and osteoporosis and wrist fractures

Between October 1972 and December 1980, 139 post-traumatic brachial plexus palsies were operated upon by the same surgeon. The results of 63 are reported with a follow up of at least three years for the 32 complete palsies and two years for the 31 partial palsies. The protocol for examination and surgical repair is described. Major repairs were performed in 48, including suture, interfascicular grafting and nerve transfer. The remaining 15 had a neurolysis. The results are given for each type of lesion and for each kind of repair. Two series of complete palsies, one treated operatively, the other conservatively, are compared. It is concluded that surgical repair gives good results in partial palsies and in some complete palsies. Nerve transfer or graft gives some improvement but the usefulness of the limb remains disappointing

This is a prospective study of 107 repairs of obstetric brachial plexus palsy carried out between January 1990 and December 1999. The results in 100 children are presented. In partial lesions operation was advised when paralysis of abduction of the shoulder and of flexion of the elbow persisted after the age of three months and neurophysiological investigations predicted a poor prognosis. Operation was carried out earlier at about two months in complete lesions showing no sign of clinical recovery and with unfavourable neurophysiological investigations. Twelve children presented at the age of 12 months or more; in three more repair was undertaken after earlier unsuccessful neurolysis. The median age at operation was four months, the mean seven months and a total of 237 spinal nerves were repaired. The mean duration of follow-up after operation was 85 months (30 to 152). Good results were obtained in 33% of repairs of C5, in 55% of C6, in 24% of C7 and in 57% of operations on C8 and T1. No statistical difference was seen between a repair of C5 by graft or nerve transfer. Posterior dislocation of the shoulder was observed in 30 cases. All were successfully relocated after the age of one year. In these children the results of repairs of C5 were reduced by a mean of 0.8 on the Gilbert score and 1.6 on the Mallett score. Pre-operative electrodiagnosis is a reliable indicator of the depth of the lesion and of the outcome after repair. Intra-operative somatosensory evoked potentials were helpful in the detection of occult intradural (pre-ganglionic) injury

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):970–977.

Objective: Search for operation timing and methods for obstetrical brachial plexus injury(OBPI). Methods: Thirty-two children with upper OBPI were treated by microsurgical procedure from October 1997 through April 2001, The average time of operation is 10 months of age, ranged from 3 months to 24 months, of which 19 were below 6 months while 13 were over 6 months. Surgical procedure included neurolysis (n=11), coaption after resection of the neroma without function(n=6), phrenic nerve transfer to anterior cord of upper trunkor musculocutaneous nerve (n=7) and intercostal nerves transfer to musculocutaneous nerve (n=6). The children were underwent operation by microsurgical technique and 7–0 or 9–0 nylon were used for nerve suture. Results: Thirty cases were followed-up 21 months postoperatively, the excellent and good rate is 76.7%(23/30). The results of the children under 6 months is better than that over 6 months . Conclusions: We concluded that the microsurgical operation might be considered at 3 to 6 months of age in infants who have shown little or no improvement in elbow flexion . Patients undergoing neurolysis and nerve coaption had more favorable outcome than those undergoing neurotization. The appropriate procedure must be selected according to the findings of exploration

Purpose of the study: We compared the reinnervation capacities of two nerve transfers onto the common trunk of the musculocutaneous nerve (MC), several bundles of the ulnar nerve (UN) and three intercostal nerves (IC) in patients with high brachial plexus palsy (C5C6 or C5C6C7). Material and methods: Prospective consecutive study of two groups: group 1: 24 transfers and two to three UN bundles in 20 patients with C5C6 and four with C5C6C7, mean age at surgery 29.5 years; group 2: 15 neurotisations of the MC by CI in four C5C6 palsies and in 11 CC5C6C7 palsies, mean age at surgery 25.7 years. Mean time from accident to operation was 5.7 months, mean follow-up 29.4 months. Results: The first contractions of the biceps were perceived clinically at 5.2 months after the surgery in group1 versus 9.9 months for group 2. Four patients in group 1 (17.0%) did not recover active flexion greater than M3 versus four (27%) in group 2. Mean force using the BMRC score was 3.6 in group 1 versus 3.2 in group 2. When elbow flexion was ≥3 (BMRC), force could be measured at 4.5kg in group 1 and 3.0 kg in group 2. For time to management up to seventh month, the two groups were comparable concerning pertinent results, but after that delay, none of the patients in group 2 achieved elbow flexion ≥3 versus 66% in group 1 up to one year. Up to the age of 40 years, results were comparable; no pertinent result was obtained after that age in group 2 versus 66% in group 1. C5C6C7 palsies had less favourable results irrespective of the technique. Discussion: Our results show the superiority of UN transfer over CI transfer. In patients who undergo surgery before the seventh month, the rate of pertinent outcome was comparable although the flexion force was significantly greater in group 1. After seven months, only UN transfer offers hope of a useful result, up to the twelfth month. Before the age of 25 years, results are comparable, after 40, no pertinent result was observed after CI transfer while useful contraction could be obtained up to 45 years with UN transfer. C5C6C7 forms recover less well irrespective of the technique

Upper limb amputations, ranging from transhumeral to partial hand, can be devastating for patients, their families, and society. Modern paradigm shifts have focused on reconstructive options after upper extremity limb loss, rather than considering the amputation an ablative procedure. Surgical advancements such as targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interface, in combination with technological development of modern prosthetics, have expanded options for patients after amputation. In the near future, advances such as osseointegration, implantable myoelectric sensors, and implantable nerve cuffs may become more widely used and may expand the options for prosthetic integration, myoelectric signal detection, and restoration of sensation. This review summarizes the current advancements in surgical techniques and prosthetics for upper limb amputees.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):430–439.

Aims

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is an often devastating injury that affects patients physically and emotionally. The vast majority of the published literature is based on surgeon-graded assessment of motor outcomes, but the patient experience after BPI is not well understood. Our aim was to better understand overall life satisfaction after BPI, with the goal of identifying areas that can be addressed in future delivery of care.

In combined high median and ulnar nerve injury, transfer of extensor digiti minimi (EDM) and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) nerve branches to restore intrinsic hand function is previously described. A segment of nerve graft is required in this operation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the sensory branch of radial nerve (SRN) as an “in situ vascular nerve bridge'” (IVNB) instead of sural nerve graft. Twenty fresh cadavers were dissected. In proximal forearm incision, the feasibility of transferring the EDM/ECU branches to the distal stump of transected SRN was evaluated. In distal forearm incision, the two distal branches of the SRN were transected near the radial styloid process to determine whether transfer of the proximal stumps of these branches to the motor branches of the median (MMN) and ulnar (MUN) nerves is possible. The number of axons in each nerve was determined. The size of the dissected nerves and their location demonstrate that tension free nerve coaptation is easily possible in both proximal and distal incisions. Utilisation of the SRN as an IVNB instead of the conventional sural nerve graft has some advantages. Firstly, the sural nerve graft is a single branch and could be sutured to either the MMN or MUN, whereas the SRN has two terminal branches and can address both of them. Secondly, the IVNB has live Schwann cells and may accelerate the regeneration. Finally, this IVNB does not require leg incision and could be performed under regional anesthesia. The SRN as an IVNB is a viable option which can be used instead of conventional nerve graft in some brachial plexus or high median and ulnar nerve injuries when restoration of intrinsic hand function by transfer of EDM/ECU branches is attempted