BICEPS-TO-TRICEPS TRANSFER IN TETRAPLEGIA. The medial route

Eight tetraplegic patients (13 elbows) were treated by biceps-to-triceps transfer. To avoid the risk of radial nerve injury, we chose a medial routing of the biceps. The mean follow-up after surgery was 17.8 months (range, 4–47 months). No complications were encountered. Active extension of the elbow was achieved in each case. The mean postoperative active range of motion of the elbow was 6 °extension and 137 °flexion. After the biceps-to-triceps transfer mean extension torque of the elbow was 3.7 Nm and mean flexion torque was 10 Nm. In eight elbows in which it was measured, there was a 47% reduction in elbow flexion power. Nevertheless no patient complained about that reduction, and all of them were satisfied.