Nerve transfer to deltoid muscle using the nerve to the long head of the triceps, part II: a report of 7 cases

PURPOSE: This study reports the results of nerve transfer to the deltoid muscle using the nerve to the long head of the triceps.

METHODS: Seven patients with an average age of 25 years with loss of shoulder abduction secondary to upper brachial plexus injuries had nerve transfer using the nerve to the long head of the triceps to the anterior branch(es) of the axillary nerve through the posterior approach. The spinal accessory nerve was used simultaneously for nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve. The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 28 months (average, 20 mo).

RESULTS: All patients recovered deltoid power against resistance (M4) at the last follow-up evaluation. Useful functional recovery was achieved in all 7 patients; 5 had excellent recoveries and 2 had good results. The average shoulder abduction was 124 degrees. No notable weakness of elbow extension was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: This method is a reliable and effective procedure for deltoid reconstruction in brachial plexus injury (upper-arm type) and should be combined with spinal accessory nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve to obtain good shoulder abduction.