Transfer of partial fascicles of median nerve or ulnar nerve for restoration of elbow flexion: analysis of long-term result

Objective To evaluate the long - term results of median or ulnar nerve partial fascicle transfer for restoration of elbow flexion, and summarize the surgical indications and influencing factors. Methods Thirty - six patients with elbow flexion impariment due to brachial plexus injury underwent nerve transfer using a part of median and ulnar nerve to the motor branch of the biceps muscle. Follow - up period ranged from 6 months to 65 months (average 29.2 months). Results Twenty - three patients had M 4 biceps strength and more than 90° elbow flexion. Eleven patients had M 3 biceps strength and 60° ～ 90° elbow flexion. Only 2 patients had poor result. The effective rate was 94.4 %, while the excellent and good rate was 63.9 %. The type and cause of injury, post traumatic interval, donor nerve, patients'age, and rehabilitation were the major factors influencing the treatment outcome.Conclusions Median or ulnar nerve partial fascicle transfer was an effective procedure for elbow flexion reconstruction in C 5,6 or C 5,6,7 avulsion of the brachial plexus.