scholarly journals Results of wrist extension reconstruction in C5–8 brachial plexus palsy by transferring the pronator quadratus motor branch to the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle

2016 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 1442-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayme Augusto Bertelli ◽  
Marcos Flávio Ghizoni ◽  
Cristiano Paulo Tacca

OBJECT The objective of this study was to report the results of pronator quadratus (PQ) motor branch transfers to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) motor branch to reconstruct wrist extension in C5–8 root lesions of the brachial plexus. METHODS Twenty-eight patients, averaging 24 years of age, with C5–8 root injuries underwent operations an average of 7 months after their accident. In 19 patients, wrist extension was impossible at baseline, whereas in 9 patients wrist extension was managed by activating thumb and wrist extensors. When these 9 patients grasped an object, their wrist dropped and grasp strength was lost. Wrist extension was reconstructed by transferring the PQ motor to the ECRB motor branch. After surgery, patients were followed for at least 12 months, with final follow-up an average of 22 months after surgery. RESULTS Successful reinnervation of the ECRB was demonstrated in 27 of the 28 patients. In 25 of the patients, wrist extension scored M4, and in 2 it scored M3. CONCLUSIONS In C5–8 root injuries, wrist extension can be predictably reconstructed by transferring the PQ motor branch to reinnervate the ECRB.

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (01) ◽  
pp. 036-041
Author(s):  
Anil Bhatia ◽  
Mahmoud Salama

Abstract Background Patients with lesions affecting C7 and C8 roots (in addition to C56) demonstrate loss of independent wrist dorsiflexion in addition to loss of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. Traditionally, this deficit has been addressed using tendon transfers after useful function at the shoulder and elbow has been restored by primary nerve surgery. Confidence with nerve transfer techniques has prompted attempts to replace this method by incorporating procedures for wrist dorsiflexion in the primary operation itself. Aim The objective of this study was to report the results of pronator quadratus motor branch transfers to the extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch to reconstruct wrist extension in C5–C8 root lesions of the brachial plexus. Patients and Methods Twenty-three patients, average age 30 years, with C5–8 root injuries underwent operations an average of 4.7 months after their accident. Extrinsic extension of the fingers and thumb was weak or absent in two cases while the remaining 18 patients could open their hand actively. The patients lacked independent wrist extension when they were examined with the fingers flexed as the compensatory action of the extrinsic finger extensors was removed. The average follow-up was 21 months postoperative with the minimal follow-up period was at least 12 months. Results Successful reinnervations of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) were demonstrated in all patients. In 17 patients, wrist extension scored M4, and in 3 patients it scored M3. Conclusions The pronator quadratus (PQ) to ECRB nerve transfer in C5–C7 or C5–C8 brachial plexus injuries for independent wrist extension reconstruction gives consistently good results with minimal donor morbidity.


2012 ◽  
Vol 130 (6) ◽  
pp. 1269-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayme A. Bertelli ◽  
Cristiano P. Tacca ◽  
Elisa C. Winkelmann Duarte ◽  
Marcos F. Ghizoni ◽  
Hamilton Duarte

2003 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Al-QATTAN

This study reports on 20 children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent a tendon transfer to reconstruct wrist extension. The mean age at the time of tendon transfer was 8 years. There were seven patients with Erb’s palsy and the remaining 13 had total palsy. The flexor carpi ulnaris was utilized 15 times and the flexor carpi radialis five times. The transferred tendon was sutured to the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis. The result of the transfer was assessed according to a modified Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle grading system. A good result was obtained in 18 patients (modified MRC grade of 4) and a fair result (modified MRC grade of 3) in two. The choice of tendon transfer to reconstruct the wrist drop deformity in various conditions including adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries is discussed.


2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. BERTELLI

Tendon transfers are frequently needed to improve hand function in obstetric brachial plexus injuries. The reconstruction cannot always be achieved using local donor transfers in the forearm as these are not always available. In such cases, we propose the use of the brachialis muscle as a useful donor for transfer. Five adolescents with obstetric brachial plexus palsy were operated on to reconstruct wrist extension and/or pronation using the brachialis muscle transfer to the pronator teres ( n = 1) extensor carpi radialis brevis ( n = 1) and extensor carpi radialis longus ( n = 3). Twelve months after surgery, average active motion recovery was 20° for wrist extension and 14° for pronation. Active and passive range of motion was similar.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 161-165
Author(s):  
Praveen Bhardwaj ◽  
Harshil Parekh ◽  
Hari Venkatramani ◽  
S. Raja Sabapathy

Ulnar deviation deformity of the wrist in patients with birth brachial plexus palsy is an important cosmetic concern among the patients and their relatives; especially in the patients who have recovered the basic limb functions. Though there is ample literature available regarding the management of the shoulder deformity there is paucity of literature regarding management of wrist ulnar deviation deformity. We report our experience with correction of this deformity in five cases with isolated ulnar deviation deformity without forearm rotational deformity or weakness of the wrist muscles. All the patients underwent extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) to extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon transfer. At a minimum of 18 months follow-up all the patients and their families were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the limb. Correction of the deformity improves the appearance of the limb, improves self-confidence of the child, and allows them to integrate well into the society. Interestingly, the patients expressed improvement in their grip strength and overall hand function after this surgery. The notable functions which improved were easy reach of the hand-to-mouth for feeding and easy handling of the things requiring bimanual activities. Although the main aim of this operation was to correct the appearance of the hand it was found to be also functionally useful by the patients and hence we are encouraged to report it for wider use. The results were maintained during the follow-up period of as long as 47 months.


2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. BASHEER ◽  
V. ZELIC ◽  
F. RABIA

We suggest a new scoring system that measures the upper limb function both as a unit and in separate parts. Our system was designed to study the recovery in patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). It measures active limb movements and compares them with the normal side to obtain a ratio, which is then converted to a score. Fifty-two patients with OBPP were studied with a follow-up of 2 years. The progress of the patients was monitored using the system. Thirty-seven patients (71%) achieved very good recovery, eight patients (15%) achieved a good score, and five patients (10%) achieved a poor score. Most of the recovery occurred before the age of 6 months.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28
Author(s):  
Gloria D. Eng

Experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of residua of brachial plexus paralysis in 25 infants is presented. Associated defects substantiate the traumatic nature of the deliveries. The electromyogram proved a valuable tool in the exact delineation of the pathology and in determination of prognosis. Early optimum treatment prevented atrophy and contractures. Of the 20 babies with adequate follow-up, approximately ⅓ recovered by 6 months with minimal deficit, over ½ recovered by 1 year with moderate residua to include persistent weakness, delay in bone growth, dislocation, and peculiar posturing of the arm; and the other three infants showed significant handicaps.


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