• J Hand Surg Am · Feb 2019

    Free Reverse Gracilis Muscle Combined With Steindler Flexorplasty for Elbow Flexion Reconstruction After Failed Primary Repair of Extended Upper-Type Paralysis of the Brachial Plexus.

    • Jayme Augusto Bertelli.
    • Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, University of the South of Santa Catarina (Unisul), Tubarão, Brazil; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Governador Celso Ramos Hospital, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Department of Plastic Surgery, Joana de Gusmão Children's Hospital, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Electronic address: drbertelli@gmail.com.
    • J Hand Surg Am. 2019 Feb 1; 44 (2): 112-120.

    PurposeTo report the clinical outcomes of elbow flexion reconstruction using a reverse free gracilis muscle flap plus Steindler flexorplasty in patients with previously failed reconstruction of extended upper-type brachial plexus paralysis.MethodsTwenty-four male patients were reoperated upon an average of 45 months (SD, ± 45 months) after brachial plexus repair. The gracilis tendon was secured to the acromion, and the muscle belly was sutured to the biceps distal tendon. Vascular repair was performed preferentially end to end to the radial artery and cephalic vein. Nerve repair was achieved by coapting the nerve to the gracilis to motor fascicles of the median or ulnar nerve. The medial epicondyle was osteotomized, proximally advanced by 4 to 5 cm and secured to the anterior side of the humerus.ResultsActive elbow flexion was restored in 23 of 24 patients. Sixteen patients ultimately achieved M4 strength, among whom 6 had full range of motion (ROM), and the remaining 10 recovered an average of 110° (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 100°-120°) of elbow flexion. Seven patients exhibited M3 elbow flexion strength recovery, which was associated with weaker hands and incomplete ROM, averaging 94° (95% CI, 86°-102°). There was, on average, a 10° (95% CI, 4.4°-15.6°). elbow flexion contracture. Among the 16 patients with M4 level recovery of elbow flexion, supination was partially restored in 12.ConclusionsIn patients previously operated upon, using a reversed free gracilis muscle flap in association with a Steindler procedure is effective as salvage surgery to restore elbow flexion and partial supination.Type Of Study/Level Of EvidenceTherapeutic IV.Copyright © 2019 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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