Open AccessRestoration of Elbow Flexion With a Free Functional Gracilis Muscle Transfer in an Arthrogrypotic Patient Using a Motor Nerve to Pectoralis Major
Author(s) -
Kristen M Sochol,
George S. Edwards,
Milan Stevanović
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
hand
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.722
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1558-9455
pISSN - 1558-9447
DOI - 10.1177/1558944720923412
Subject(s) - elbow , medicine , elbow flexion , arthrogryposis , anatomy , gracilis muscle , physical medicine and rehabilitation
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.