Restoration of Elbow Flexion With a Free Functional Gracilis Muscle Transfer in an Arthrogrypotic Patient Using a Motor Nerve to Pectoralis Major. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sochol, Kristen M.; Edwards, George; Stevanovic, Milan
• Is Part Of: Hand. Volume 15:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: NP80
• Page End: NP84
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: free functional muscle transfer -- arthrogryposis -- free tissue transfer -- gracilis -- microvascular -- elbow flexion -- microsurgery -- specialty; Hand -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Hand -- Surgery; Periodicals; 617.57005
• DOI: 10.1177/1558944720923412
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-9447

Abstract

Background: Patients with arthrogryposis may exhibit inability to flex the elbow. A free functional gracilis muscle transfer (FFGMT) can be used to restore elbow flexion. In our search of the available literature, we have not seen any descriptions of using a motor branch to the pectoralis major as a donor nerve to establish elbow flexion.Methods: We performed an FFGMT for restoration of elbow flexion in an arthrogrypotic patient with no active elbow flexion, who had a Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle grade of 0.Results: We report our 4.5-year outcomes. After undergoing an FFGMT for elbow flexion, our patient was able to gain an MRC grade 4 and achieve an arc of motion of 25° to 140°.Conclusion: An FFGMT for elbow flexion may be performed successfully using a motor branch to the pectoralis major.