Tendon Transfers Around Wrist in Cases of Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury

Abstract
Background: Wrist extension is essential in the develop-ment of motor skills in young children. Adequate wrist extension is important for good grip function of the hand, as a slightly extended wrist results in a better and stronger grip.
Material and Methods: This prospective series reports on 32 patients with sequlae obstetric brachial plexus injury who underwent tendon transfer around wrist. The mean age at time of transfer was 9.9 years. FCU tendon was utilized in 25 cases, PT in 3 cases, BR in 2 cases, PL in 1 case and FDS in 1 case. The recipient tendon was ECRB in 14 cases, EDC in 12 cases, ECRL in 2 cases EPL in 2 cases, and FPL in 2 cases. Raimondi score, Toronto scale, Medical research council muscle grading system, Range of motion and hand grip strength were used to evaluate results. Good results (MRC grading of 4) were obtained in 24 cases (75%).
Conclusion: Tendon transfers around wrist are considered good operative option in cases of sequlae of obstetric brachial plexus injury for restoration of hand function with or without other procedures tailored to the need of every case.