Restoration of thumb opposition by displacement of extensor pollicis brevis

An operative procedure for functional repair of thumb opposition is described. The extensor pollicis brevis is displaced to the proximal two-thirds of the carpal canal without detachment of its distal end. Twelve patients with combined lesions of the median and ulnar nerve were operated on. Ten patients were followed up from one to six years after the intervention. Restoration of thumb opposition to the middle or to the ring finger was observed in all, in three cases without sufficient pronation.