Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of the posterior part of the deltoid
after nerve transfer of the long head triceps branch of the radial nerve to the anterior
branch of the axillary nerve in patients with an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated
axillary nerve injury.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients diagnosed with an upper brachial plexus injury
or isolated axillary nerve injury who underwent nerve transfer of the long head triceps
muscle branch of the radial nerve to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in
our institute between 2012 and 2017. Data on age, sex, the mechanism of injury, the
pattern of injury, and operative treatment were collected from medical records. Preoperative
and postoperative clinical examinations, including motor powers of shoulder abduction
and extension according to Medical Research Council grading, were evaluated. At a
minimum of 2 years after the operation, we evaluated the recovery of the posterior
deltoid function using the swallow-tail test.
Results
Twenty-two patients (84.6%) had recovery of posterior deltoid function confirmed by
the swallow-tail test. There were 23 patients (88.5%) who achieved at least Medical
Research Council grade 4 of shoulder abduction.
Conclusions
Nerve transfer from the branch to the long head triceps to the anterior branch of
the axillary nerve is an effective technique for restoring deltoid function in an
upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury. This technique can
provide shoulder abduction and shoulder extension, which are the functions of the
posterior deltoid muscle.
Type of study/level of evidence
Therapeutic IV.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 06, 2022
Accepted:
April 8,
2022
Received:
September 4,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
