The Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Brachial Plexus Injury

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 1997;2(1):72-78.
Published online January 1, 1997.

Kwang Suk Lee,Cheol Hyo Bae,Chang Ryong Hur,Chong Ryoon Paik

상완 신경총 손상에서 주관절 굴곡의 재건

이광석,배철효,허창룡,백종륜

Abstract

The brachial plexus injury is increasing in modern civilized life because of the increasing tendency of traffic accident and machinary injury. We have performed the operations for restoration of elbow flexion in 11 cases of brachial plexus injury at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Hospital from January 1990 to December 1995. The mean follow-up period was 23 months. The results were as follows. 1. In case of neurotization, functional recovery of the elbow flexion showed relatively fair result(57.1%) 2. Gracilis myocutaneous free flap showed relatively fair result(50%). 3. Muscle transfer showed good result. In summary, microsurgery can not always make a paralysed upper limb useful, however, the restoration of elbow flexion by the microsurgery offers positive motivation of treatment to the patient.