Abstract:
Back ground: Nerve transfer surgery, also known as neurotization, developed in the mid- 1800s with the use of animal models, and was used in the treatment of brachial plexus injuries. Neurotization relies on the fact that high ulnar nerve lesions usually have a poor prognosis because of the long distance between the site of injury and the targeted intrinsic muscles of the hand. Expendable motor or sensory nerves can be re-directed in proximity of a specific target, whether a muscle or skin territory, in order to obtain faster re-innervation. Aim of the work: was to evaluate the outcome and functional results of early neurotization of high ulnar nerve injury. Methods: A total of 12 patients, 9 males and 3 females were included in this study and underwent neurotization of high ulnar nerve injury using anterior interosseous nerve transfer to deep motor branch of ulnar nerve at Plastic Surgery Unit, faculty of medicine, Zagazig university hospitals in the period from 12/2017 to 2/2019. Results: nerve transfer provides satisfactory regaining of function in small muscles of hand and prevent permanent handicapping of the affected hand. Conclusion: Neurotization of high ulnar nerve injuries is a simple procedure that provides a good option to restore the ulnar nerve functions in cases of high ulnar nerve lesions. The procedure is easy to perform, with minimal donor-site morbidity.
Keywords: Nerve transfer, High ulnar nerve injury, anterior interosseous nerve.