Burkhalter opponensplasty; role in isolated median nerve injury.

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcome of Burkhalter opponensplasty using Extensor Indicis Proprius with isolated traumatic low median nerve palsy.

METHODS

The prospective study was conducted at the Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from June 2010 to June 2013, and comprised cases of Burkhalter opponensplasty using the Extensor Indicis Proprius to restore thumb opposition in isolated median nerve palsies. All patients had the condition for 16 to 20 months. The tendon was harvested just proximal to the extensor expansion and the insertion was to the distal attachment of abductor pollicis brevis.

RESULTS

Of the 11 patients in the study, 6(54.5%) were females and 5(45.5%) were males, with overall ages ranging between 19 years and 51 years. There were no postoperative complications. Nine (82%) patients had excellent results, while the remaining 2(18%) had good result.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with isolated traumatic median nerve palsy, Burkhalter opponensplasty yielded excellent and satisfactory results.