[Secondary surgical procedures following motor nerve injuries]

The functional deficits that develop after a peripheral nerve injury mean a considerable reduction in the quality of life for the affected patients. However, interventions on the injured nerve are not always possible or effective. In this case, secondary procedures, e.g. tendon transfers, are a feasible option for functional reconstruction.

An overview of the most common secondary surgical procedures for functional reconstruction after peripheral nerve injuries.

Presentation and discussion of the most common secondary surgical procedures with emphasis on tendon transfers. Illustration of the primary functions that need to be reconstructed depending on the respective nerve lesion.

The basic principle of secondary surgical procedures after nerve injuries is the transposition of a healthy tendomuscular unit to replace a lost function following a loss of muscle or tendon or if an intervention on the nerve is not promising. For example, by transferring flexor forearm muscles, wrist, finger and thumb extension can be reconstructed after radial nerve injury. By transposing the tibialis posterior muscle, dorsiflexion in the talocrural joint can be restored to enable the affected patient to walk safely without an orthosis.

Secondary surgical procedures are a valuable option for functional reconstruction after nerve injury.