Journal of Hand Surgery
Volume 35, Issue 8 , Pages 1297-1303 , August 2010

A Comparison of Intercostal and Partial Ulnar Nerve Transfers in Restoring Elbow Flexion Following Upper Brachial Plexus Injury (C5-C6±C7)

Received 10 February 2010 ,Accepted 22 April 2010.

References 

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 No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.

PII: S0363-5023(10)00510-1

doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.04.025

Journal of Hand Surgery
Volume 35, Issue 8 , Pages 1297-1303 , August 2010