Thoracodorsal nerve transfer for triceps reinnervation in partial brachial plexus injuries

Purpose To report the clinical outcomes of thoracodorsal nerve (TDN) transfers to the triceps motor branches for elbow extension restoration in patients with partial brachial plexus injuries (BPI). Methods Eight male patients of mean age 23 years and suffering from a partial BPI underwent direct coaptation of the TDN to the nerve of the upper medial and long heads of the triceps, an average 6 months after their accident. Results Seven patients achieved M4 elbow extension strength and one patient M3, according to the BMRC scale, after a mean follow‐up of 21 months. Discussion Direct TDN transfer might be a valid surgical procedure for the restoration of elbow extension in patients with partial BPI. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:191–197, 2016.