Intrinsic hand muscle reinnervation by median-ulnar end-to-side bridge nerve graft: case report

Recovery of either the motor or sensory functions has not been consistently achieved in upper extremity end-to-side neurorrhaphy; this technique was only indicated when more conventional nerve repair was not possible. In most studies, the whole median or ulnar nerve was used for end-to-side neurotization. In this report, we present 4 cases of high-median or ulnar nerve laceration in which a nerve graft was placed end-to-side between the median and ulnar motor fascicles close to the wrist. At 4 months after surgery, 3 of 4 patients began to recover active movement of the affected small muscles of the hand. EMG and nerve conduction studies confirmed that nerve conduction was through the nerve grafts.