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A Mouse Model of Direct Anastomosis via the Prespinal Route for Crossing Nerve Transfer Surgery
Published on: October 19, 2021
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Nerve Transfer Surgery for Penetrating Upper Extremity Injuries
Efstathios Karamanos1, Ilya Rakitin2, Sophie Dream3
1Surgeon at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. ekarama1@hfhs.org.
The Permanente Journal
|April 28, 2018
Summary
Nerve transfer surgery effectively repairs penetrating upper extremity injuries, showing significant muscle strength gains and high return-to-work rates. This technique offers long-term functional recovery and advantages over other surgical options.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Penetrating injuries to the upper extremity can cause significant nerve damage.
- Traditional repair methods include tendon transfers and nerve grafting, each with limitations.
- Nerve transfer surgery presents an alternative for restoring function after nerve injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of nerve transfer surgery for penetrating upper extremity trauma.
- To compare the efficacy of nerve transfer surgery with other reconstructive techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing nerve transfer for penetrating upper extremity trauma since 2006.
- Inclusion criteria: repair within three months of injury, minimum three years follow-up.
- Outcome measures: preoperative and postoperative muscle strength, return to employment, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.
Main Results:
- 16 male patients (ages 16-43) underwent nerve transfers for elbow flexion, finger extension/flexion, or wrist pronation.
- Average follow-up was 6 years; no perioperative complications occurred.
- Significant improvement in muscle strength (0/5 to 3.8/5), maintained long-term. 63% returned to previous employment.
Conclusions:
- Nerve transfer surgery is a safe and effective treatment for penetrating nerve injuries in the upper extremity.
- It offers advantages over alternative methods in select patients.
- Long-term functional recovery and return to work are achievable outcomes.
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