Background Restriction of elbow flexion significantly limits upper extremity function following brachial plexus injuries. In recent years, the double fascicular nerve transfer procedure utilizing ulnar and median nerve transfer to musculocutaneous branches has shown promising functional outcomes. Objective To evaluate restoration of elbow flexion following a double fascicular transfer in patients with brachial plexus injuries and identify predictors of poor outcomes. Methods This retrospective review included 10 consecutive patients with brachial plexus injuries involving C5-C6 root avulsions who underwent the double nerve transfer procedure. The mean follow-up was 12 months and the primary outcome was assessment of elbow flexion with the use of the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Results This procedure achieved elbow flexion of MRC grade M3 or higher in 50% of our cohort. Time interval from injury to surgery showed a statistically significant inverse association with functional recovery (r = -0.73, p = 0.016). Patients who had the surgery within six months of the injury, demonstrated higher MRC grades during the follow-up (p = 0.048). There was no association between elbow flexion recovery and age, body mass index (BMI), gender, hypertension, diabetes or smoking status. Conclusions The double fascicular transfer to musculocutaneous may be a safe and effective treatment for restoration of elbow flexion. The procedure is associated with superior functional outcomes when performed within the first six months from the injury.
Keywords: elbow flexion; median nerve; musculocutaneous; oberlin; ulnar nerve.