Satisfactory elbow flexion in complete (preganglionic) brachial plexus injuries: produced by suture of third and fourth intercostal nerves to musculocutaneous nerve.

The third and fourth intercostal nerves were sutured to the musculocutaneous nerve to restore flexion of the elbow joint in complete (preganglionic) brachial plexus injuries. Seventeen patients were followed on the average for 5 years and 7 months after surgery. The results were evaluated by means of manual muscle tests and electrical diagnostic tests. Good (grade IV), or better, flexion of the elbow joint occurred in 12 patients over 3 years after the operation.