[Time, technic and results of replacement operations in irreparable radial nerve damage]

In cases with poor motor regeneration following radial nerve damage the Perthes method of tendon transfer is recommended. At the same operation a secondary nerve suture should be performed. The flexor carpi ulnaris tendons is used as the motor for the extensor digitorum communis and extensor pollicis longus, the palmaris longus tendon for the abductor pollicis longus. Attention is focused on some technical details including the mobilisation of the motor muscles, the direction of pull, the tension of the motor and the position in which fingers and wrist should be held during suture.