Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
31 July 2023
Brachial plexus injuries mainly affecting the higher motor routes C5 and C6 results in loss of shoulder function and usually a loss of elbow flexion. Over the years, the results of reconstruction of the brachial plexus have yielded great results. In the last 10 years the idea of transferring a motor nerve that is working to a targeted muscle in order to restore its function has gained great popularity as there seem to be much better outcomes and a much quicker recovery.
The Oberlin transfer is a very popular transfer that utilises a branch from the ulnar nerve which typically is not involved in a higher brachial plexus lesions. This nerve usually comes from C8 and C1. A branch of the ulnar nerve is then transferred to a part of the musculocutaneous nerve that innovates the biceps and brachialis muscles that achieve elbow flexion.
This specific nerve transfer has become very popular as the results achieve good elbow flexion against gravity especially if it is done in the first 9 months.
