Anterior Interosseous Nerve to Ulnar Nerve Transfers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background There has been an increasing utilization of end-to-end (ETE) and reverse "supercharged" end-to-side (SETS) anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to ulnar nerve transfers (NTs) for treatment of high ulnar nerve injury. This study aimed to review the potential indications for, and outcomes of, ETE and SETS AIN-ulnar NT. Methods A literature review was performed, and 10 articles with 156 patients who had sufficient follow-up to evaluate functional outcomes were included. English studies were included if they reported the outcome of patients with ulnar nerve injuries treated with AIN to ulnar motor NT. Outcomes were analyzed based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, grip and key pinch strength, and interosseous Medical Research Council-graded motor strength. Comparisons were made using the independent t -test and the chi-square test. No nerve graft control group was required for eligibility. Ulnar nerve injury types varied. Results NT resulted in 77% of patients achieving M3+ recovery, 53.7 ± 19.8 lb grip strength recovery, 61 ± 21% key pinch recovery, and a mean DASH score of 33.4 ± 16. In this diverse group, NT resulted in significantly greater M3+ recovery and grip strength recovery measured in pounds than in the nerve graft/conventional treatment group, and ETE repairs had significantly better outcomes compared with SETS repairs for grip strength, key pinch strength, and DASH scores, but heterogeneity limits interpretation. Conclusion ETE and SETS AIN-ulnar NTs produce significant restoration of ulnar nerve motor function for high ulnar nerve injuries. For ulnar nerve transection injuries at or above the elbow, ETE NT results in superior motor recovery compared with nerve grafting/conventional repair. However, further research is needed to determine the best treatment for other types of ulnar nerve injury and the role of SETS NT.

Keywords: anterior interosseous nerve; nerve transfer; ulnar nerve; ulnar nerve injury.

Fig. 1

Flow diagram illustrating method of identifying articles for systematic analysis.

Fig. 2

Comparative postoperative outcomes for motor MRC grade, grip strength (percentage of unaffected side), and key pinch strength for each treatment group. MRC, Medical Research Council; SETS, supercharged end-to-side.

Fig. 3

Comparative postoperative outcomes for DASH score and grip strength (pound of force) for each treatment group. DASH, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; SETS, supercharged end-to-side.