Modified Tsuge technique for functional reconstruction of hands with radial nerve palsy

Objective To introduce a new method of tendon transfer for treating radial nerve palsy and evaluate the clinical outcomes. Methods Twelve cases of irreversible radial nerve injuries were treated with the modified Tsuge technique to reconstruct the function of wrist, thumb and finger extension since June 2002.Results All 12 cases were follow-up for 2 to 48 months. According to Chen Desong's 1994 criteria for outcome evaluation of tendon transfers in radial nerve palsy, good results were seen in 10 cases and fair results in 2 cases.The overall satisfactory rate was 100%. One of the 2 cases that showed fair results had brachial plexus cut injury and repair 8 years earlier, which yielded weaker donor for tendon transfer. The other case was accompanied by soft tissue defect of the dorsal forearm that required flap coverage and hence postoperative scarring. Conclusion Modified Tsuge tendon transfer is the most suitable, simple and effective method for functional reconstruction in radial nerve palsy. Key words: Radial nerve;  Hand injuries;  Functional reconstruction;  Tendon transfer