Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
09:34
Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: August 15, 2019
22.9K
Nerve Transfer Versus Tendon Transfer for Isolated Radial Nerve Palsy.
Tarek Abdalla El-Gammal1,2, Amr El-Sayed1, Mohamed Adel Abdeen3
1Assiut University School of Medicine, Egypt.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Nerve transfer (NT) offers superior long-term muscle strength and motion for radial nerve injuries compared to tendon transfer (TT). However, tendon transfer provides faster initial functional recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- High radial nerve injuries present reconstructive challenges.
- Tendon transfer (TT) and nerve transfer (NT) are primary surgical options.
- This study prospectively compares TT and NT outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the functional outcomes of nerve transfer (NT) versus tendon transfer (TT) in patients with isolated radial nerve injuries.
- To evaluate long-term muscle strength, range of motion, and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized clinical trial involving 21 patients with isolated radial nerve injuries.
- Patients were randomized to either NT (11 patients) or TT (10 patients).
- Specific nerve graft techniques and the Boyes tendon transfer were employed.
Main Results:
- Nerve transfer (NT) demonstrated significantly better wrist flexion/extension, metacarpophalangeal hyperextension, and thumb radial abduction at follow-up.
- NT yielded higher muscle power grades (M4+/M5) for finger and thumb extension.
- Tendon transfer (TT) offered faster functional recovery (4.3 months vs. 5.7 months for NT).
Conclusions:
- Nerve transfer (NT) provides superior long-term muscle strength and range of motion.
- Tendon transfer (TT) allows for quicker initial rehabilitation.
- Treatment choice should balance early recovery with long-term functional benefits, considering patient-specific factors.
