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Outcomes after Anterior Interosseous Nerve to Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfer
Jeffrey N. Gross MD1, Steven E. Dawson BS1, Gerald J. Wu MD1, Scott Loewenstein MD2, Katherine Blaire Egan MD1, Gregory H. Borschel MD1 & Joshua M. Adkinson MD1
1Division of Plastic Surgery
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN
2Department of Plastic Surgery
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
Indiana University
2022-01-31
Presenter: Dr. Jeffrey Gross
Affidavit:
I agree.
Director Name: Dr. Wooden M.D.
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Hand
Ulnar nerve lesions proximal to the elbow can result in loss of intrinsic muscle function of the hand. The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) transfer has been demonstrated to provide intrinsic muscle reinnervation, thereby preventing clawing and improving pinch and grip strength. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the AIN to DBUN transfer in restoring intrinsic muscle function for patients with traumatic ulnar nerve lesions. We performed a prospective, multi-institutional study of outcomes following AIN to DBUN transfer for high ulnar nerve injuries. Twelve patients were identified, nine of which were enrolled in the study. The mean time from injury to surgery was 15 weeks. At final follow up (mean post-operative follow up 18 months +/- 15.5), clawing was observed in all 9 patients with MCP joint hyperextension of the ring finger averaging 8.9 degrees (+/- 10.8) and small finger averaging 14.6 degrees (+/- 12.5). Grip strength of the affected hand was 27% of the unaffected extremity. Pinch strength of the affected hand was 29% of the unaffected extremity. None of our patients experienced claw prevention after either end-to-end (ETE) (n=4) or end-to-side (ETS) (n=5) AIN to DBUN transfer. We conclude that, in traumatic high ulnar nerve injuries, the AIN to DBUN transfer does not provide adequate intrinsic muscle reinnervation to prevent clawing and normalize grip and pinch strength.
