Reconstruction of elbow extension

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Physical Medicine

Background:

• Loss of elbow extension power severely impacts nonambulatory patients' independence.
• Limited reconstructive options exist for restoring elbow extension.
• Functional deficits necessitate effective surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of tendon transfer surgeries for elbow extension reconstruction.
• To compare deltoid to triceps transfer with biceps to triceps transfer.
• To assess patient satisfaction and functional outcomes following these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of surgical techniques for deltoid to triceps transfer.
• Review of surgical techniques for biceps to triceps transfer.
• Analysis of patient outcomes, including functional gain and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Both deltoid to triceps and biceps to triceps transfers provide satisfying reconstructions.
• Functional gains are substantial and predictable for patients.
• Rehabilitation can be lengthy but yields significant functional improvements.

Conclusions:

• Tendon transfers are effective for restoring elbow extension power in nonambulatory patients.
• These procedures offer significant functional benefits with minimal risk.
• Patient satisfaction is high due to predictable and appreciated functional gains.