Thoracodorsal nerve transfer for elbow flexion reconstruction in infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical results of thoracodorsal nerve (TDN) transfer to the biceps nerve for elbow flexion restoration in infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries.

METHODS

Five male patients, mean age 33 years and affected with infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries, underwent a direct coaptation of the TDN to the nerve to the biceps an average of 8 months after injury. The procedure included the transfer of a branch of the TDN to the musculocutaneous nerve in 2 patients.

RESULTS

All patients achieved M4 elbow flexion strength according to the British Medical Research Council scale at a mean follow-up of 22 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct TDN transfer seems to be a useful surgical procedure for restoring elbow flexion in patients with infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.