Free Functional Gracilis for Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Late Brachial Plexus Palsy | ||
| The Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 January 2024 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejprs.2024.253636.1321 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mahomoud Elsayed Gouda* 1; Mohammad Reda Ahmad2 | ||
| 1zakarai hammam st | ||
| 2Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine,Zagazig University, Zagazig | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Functional restoration of elbow flexion represents a major reconstructive challenge for post traumatic adult brachial plexus injuries. Free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) is the only hope in patients with a lack of local donor tissues or delayed presentation. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent free functioning muscle transfer for elbow flexion as part of their brachial plexus injury reconstruction with average of 22 month follow-up period were evaluated. Report of the clinical outcomes of flap viability and the degree of elbow flexion restoration by range of motion and British Medical Research Council (MRC) grade. Results: A total of 15 patients’ records with traumatic brachial plexus injuries who underwent functioning free muscle transfers for the restoration of elbow flexion were studied. The average age was 37 years, 60% were caused by Road Traffic Accidents. Flap survival rate reached 86.6 % (n=13). The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range, 12-30 months). By the end of follow up period, 69% of the transfers had recovered MRC grade >M3 elbow flexion strength. They could lift an average of 2.7 kg (range, 0.5-5 kg). Conclusion: The use of FFMT using the gracilis muscle is a reliable procedure in the restoration of elbow flexion in patients with brachial plexus injuries beyond 6–12 months from the time of injury and in patients with complete root avulsion injuries. In the hand of experienced team good result can be achieved. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Elbow flexion; Brachial Plexus; Free Functional Muscle Transfer | ||
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