Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025
Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: August 15, 2019
[Selective nerve transfers for thenar branch reconstruction]
Martin Aman1, Arne Böcker2, Ulrich Kneser2
1Klinik für Hand‑, Plastische und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie - Schwerbrandverletztenzentrum, BG Unfallklinik, Klinik für Hand und Plastische Chirurgie der Universität Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Deutschland. martin.aman@bgu-ludwigshafen.de.
Operative:
Reconstruction of thump opposition with selective nerve transfer of the motor branch of the abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM) to the thenar motor branch.
Indications:
Injury of the median nerve or thenar motor branch and resulting loss of thumb opposition.
Contraindications:
Combined median and ulnar nerve injuries or brachial plexus lesions of C8-Th1, or a time interval >12 months since denervation of the thenar branch.
Surgical Technique:
The ADM motor branch is microsurgically dissected and transferred to the thenar branch.
Postoperative Management:
After successful reinnervation, regular follow-ups and intensive physiotherapy are important for operative outcome.
Results:
Reconstruction of the opposition of the thumb results in improved range of motion as well as a gain of grip and pinch force.
