The Result of Tendon Transfer for Radial Nerve Palsy

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2002;7(2):138-143.
Published online June 1, 2002.

Chung Soo Han, Duke Whan Chung, Jae Hoon Lee, Young Ho Lee, Yang Sun Im

요골신경마비에 시행한 건전이술의 결과

한정수, 정덕환, 이재훈, 이영호, 임양선

Abstract

Introduction : We report the results of tendon transfer to restore extension of wrist and finger in the patients of radial nerve palsy. Materials and Methods : We have experienced 29 cases of tendon transfer for radial nerve palsy from Feburary 1990 to July 2000 (high radial nerve palsy: 21 patients & low radial nerve palsy: 8 patients). The causes of radial nerve injury were brachial plexus injury 8 cases, complication of humerus fracture 11 cases, complication of forearm bone fracture 3 cases, crushing injury 5 cases, cerebral palsy 2 case. An average age of 40 years old and the patient were operated at 15.2 months after initial injury and average follow-up period was 27 months. We uesd pronator teres, flexor carpi ulnaris, and palmaris longus for donor muscle. To evaluate functional results, we analyzed range of motion of wrist and finger and muscle power of wrist extension at last follow up . Results : At last follow-up, average range of motion of wrist extension was improved from 0 to 53°(range , 31~65). thumb abduction from 0 to 42°(range, 30~58) and, thumb extension from 0 to 4°(range. 0~8) and finger extension from 0 to 18°(range 8~28). All range of motion were improved to nearly normal range, but improvement of range of motion in thumb extension was minimal. Wrist extension power was improved from 0 grade to 4 grade (range, 3~5). Eight cases of the 29 cases were evaluated excellent, 13 cases as good, 4 cases as fair. 4 cases as poor in patient’s satisfaction. Conclusion : The results of tendon transfer in the treatment of radial nerve palsy were satisfactory and acceptable technique in restore hand function.