Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Two Opponensplasty Techniques in Traumatic Isolated Low Median Nerve Palsy

Background: Thumb opposition is a critical operation of thumb in human. Median nerve palsy interferes with many ordinary activities such as opposition. Opponensplasty for low median nerve injury is done with different techniques. This study aimed to compare tendon transfer techniques of Riordan and Burkhalter. Methods: This was a clinical-trial study on 40 patients underwent opponensplasty referred to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences hospitals, Iran, during 2013-16. Patients with traumatic low median nerve palsy were divided to two groups of Riordan and Burkhalter operation. Demographics, functional status, Kapandji score and, pulp pinching tests were conducted for all patients prior to surgery, and within 3 and 8 months after surgery. Findings: There was significant differences in both groups in terms of functional status, Kapandji score, and pulp pinching test (P < 0.050 for all), but comparison of two groups was not different (P > 0.050 for all). Complications of Riordan technique was significantly more than Burkhalter technique (P = 0.021). Conclusion: None of the Burkhalter or Riordan techniques was superior to the other one in terms of opposition recovery; but postsurgical complications of Burkhalter opponensplasty were fewer.