Intercostal Nerve Transfers to Native Triceps or Free Muscle Flaps for Elbow Extension in Brachial Plexus Injuries

Abstract: Intercostal nerve donors for traumatic brachial plexus injury reconstruction have been used to neurotize native muscles or free-functioning muscle transfers, with inconsistent outcomes reported. The aim was to record a substantial series, evaluate functional outcomes, and identify prognostic factors. We present a single-surgeon case series of 21 consecutive patients who underwent 21 transfer procedures to either native muscles or free-functioning muscles to reconstruct elbow extension over a 9-year period. Outcome parameters included target muscle power grade and timing of recovery. A Medical Research Council power grade ≥ M4 was achieved in 17 reconstructions. The free-functioning muscle group had significantly higher success rate and reached their best power grade 14 months earlier. Free-functioning muscle reconstruction with intercostal nerve transfer is a more complex procedure but has quicker functional recovery and greater reliability in achieving grade M4.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Intercostal Nerve Transfers to Native Triceps or Free Muscle Flaps for Elbow Extension in Brachial Plexus Injuries ; volume:19 ; number:01 ; year:2024 ; pages:e1-e5 ; Journal of brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injury ; 19, Heft 01 (2024), e1-e5

Contributors, Places and Time

• Contributor: Ferris, Scott ; Maciburko, Simon

Further information

• DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778063
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2024030710430475877141
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:44 AM CEST