Supercharge End-to-Side Anterior Interosseous-to-Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfer Restores Intrinsic Function in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Jana Dengler, Utku Dolen, Jennifer M.M. Patterson, Kristen M. Davidge, Lorna C. Kahn, Andrew Yee, Susan E. MacKinnon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The supercharge end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve-to-ulnar motor nerve transfer offers a viable option to enhance recovery of intrinsic function following ulnar nerve injury. However, in the setting of chronic ulnar nerve compression where the timing of onset of axonal loss is unclear, there is a deficit in the literature on outcomes after supercharge end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve-to-ulnar motor nerve transfer. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent supercharge end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve-to-ulnar motor nerve transfer for severe cubital tunnel syndrome over a 5-year period was performed. The primary outcomes were improvement in first dorsal interosseous Medical Research Council grade at final follow-up and time to reinnervation. Change in key pinch strength; grip strength; and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores were also evaluated using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results: Forty-two patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome were included in this study. Other than age, there were no significant clinical or diagnostic variables that were predictive of failure. There was no threshold of compound muscle action potential amplitude below which supercharge end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve-to-ulnar motor nerve transfer was unsuccessful. Conclusions: This study provides the first cohort of outcomes following supercharge end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve-to-ulnar motor nerve transfer in chronic ulnar compression neuropathy alone and underscores the importance of appropriate patient selection. Prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials with standardized outcome measures are required.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)808-818
Number of pages11
JournalPlastic and reconstructive surgery
Volume146
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2020

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