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Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: August 15, 2019
Contralateral obturator nerve transfer for femoral nerve restoration: a case report
Yu Cao1,2,3, Yuehong Li4, Youlai Zhang1,2,3
1Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Femoral nerve injury may occur in severe traffic accident injuries with pelvic fracture. Sural nerve grafts or ipsilateral obturator nerve transfer may be used to restore femoral nerve function. We report a new procedure transferring the contralateral obturator nerve to restore femoral nerve function.
Case Description:
A 30 year-old male suffering complete lumbar plexus rapture received a contralateral obturator nerve transfer in our hospital. At 2 years follow up he had gained Medical Research Council Grade 3 muscle strength in his 23th months follow-up, with normal gait, Lower Extremity Functional Scale score of 58.75% and Femoral Nerve Motor Function Scale score 61%.
Conclusion:
The contralateral obturator nerve transfer is a reliable alternative if the nerve graft or ipsilateral obturator nerve cannot be performed.
