Restoration of active fingers flexion with tensor fascia lata transfer in total brachial plexus palsy.

In total brachial plexus palsy, fingers flexion restoration is a real challenge. Nerve surgery can generally restore shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. However, results of nerve grafts or nerve transfers are generally poor for hand function. As a matter of fact, the long distance between nerve sutures and terminal nerve branches in muscles decreases the rate of reinnervation. When finger flexion occurs, strength is generally weak and function remains fair. Therefore, we proposed a new technique to restore fingers flexion. The tensor fascia lata tendon is harvested and sutured between the biceps and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons. When elbow is flexed, the biceps muscle contraction pulls FDP tendons resulting in a partial but strong hand occlusion. This technique is an alternative to free muscle transfers or nerve surgery with reliable results.