Brachioradialis transfer for digital palsy

Although brachioradialis tendon transfer is thought to offer limited tendon excursion and finger motion, we have used it to restore active thumb and digital function in eight patients. Three had Volkmann's contracture, one avulsion of forearm muscles and four had tetraplegia resulting in inability to perform activities of daily living and loss of pinch or grasp and extrinsic extension. The brachioradialis was transferred to the flexor pollicis longus, to the flexor digitorum profundus or to the common digital extensors. Except for one patient who had unremitting pain, all were pleased with their improved motion, pinch, grip, and independence. Function, however, remained abnormal in all but one.