Outcome of tendon transfer for radial nerve palsy using Flexor Carpi Radialis combination (Brands transfer)

-Loss of radial nerve function leads to severe weakness of grip and tendon transfer is considered the standard treatment. However; there is continuing debate as to the best combination of tendon transfers in such patients. The aim of this study is to present the results of Flexor carpi radialis (FCR) combination of triple tendon transfer for radial nerve palsy.

It is a retrospective study conducted over 15 years. 58 patients of with irreversible radial nerve paralysis were included. Brands transfer was performed in all cases. The ranges of movement of the wrist, fingers and thumb were evaluated pre-operatively and postoperatively using Bincaz scale.

Total 58 patients were included in the study, 47 were male and 11 female patients with mean age of 35.27 years. Causes of radial nerve palsy were comminuted open humeral fracture (n = 42), penetrating injuries (n = 13) and brachial plexus palsy (n = 3). Mean duration of palsy was 9.37 months (range = 9-12 months). The mean post-operative follow-up was 10 (range = 2-15) years. On evaluation with the Bincaz score, 6 patients had excellent results, 49 patients had good results, and 3 patients had poor results. There were 3 complications in 5 patients, including radial deviation of wrist, inadequate abduction of thumb and restricted wrist flexion. 55 patients (94.82%) were able to return to their normal daily work after ∼8 weeks. Conclusions - Tendon transfer is a standard procedure for radial nerve palsy but potential advantage of one method over the other has not been demonstrated. Brand's transfer results in an acceptable restoration of hand function.