Three tendon transfer methods in reconstruction of ulnar nerve palsy

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of 3 different tendon transfer techniques in restoring grip strength, correcting claw hand deformity, and improving hand function after irreparable ulnar nerve palsy.

Method: A total of 44 patients were assessed 14 to 96 months after surgery. Twenty-four patients were reconstructed with the flexor digitorum 4-tail (FDS 4-tail) procedure, 11 with the extensor carpi radialis 4-tail (ECRL 4-tail) procedure and 9 with Zancolli's Lasso procedure (ZLP) with mean paralysis times of 47, 51, and 32 months, respectively. Grip strength measurements, improvement in active range of motion at the PIP and wrist joints, patients' ability to fully open and close their hands, as well as the sequence of phalangeal flexion were analyzed.

Results: Age, sex, mean follow-up duration, and surgical technique did not relate statistically to the functional outcome. Preoperative extensor lag of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and mean paralysis time, however, significantly affected the functional outcome. The ZLP and the ECRL 4-tail were found to be the most effective technique in restoring grip strength. The FDS 4-tail procedure, however, was the most successful in correcting the claw hand deformity, especially in long-standing paralysis in which there was elongation of the extensor apparatus.

Conclusions: In short-term paralysis in which patients predominantly need grip strength and claw finger deformity correction, the ZLP or ECRL 4-tail procedures are recommended. In long-standing cases with extensor lag, asynchronous finger motion should be corrected with the FDS 4-tail procedure.