Radial Medial Head Triceps Branch Transfer to Axillary Nerve by Axillary Approach

Abstract

Objective To describe axillary approach for axillary nerve transfer with radial nerve branch in brachial plexus lesions. Methods Six patients aged 24 to 54 (mean 30) years with traumatic superior trunk brachial plexus injury underwent axillary approach between October 2011 and April 2012. On physical examination prior to surgery, they could not perform shoulder abduction, external rotation, or elbow flexion. Surgical approach was made through axillary pathway without any muscular section. The transfer was done with the radial branch to the medial head of triceps. In addition to transfer to axillary nerve, each patient had spinal accessory nerve transferred to suprascapular nerve and ulnar nerve fascicle transferred to musculocutaneous nerve. Conclusion The axillary approach allows easy access to axillary nerve and, therefore, is a feasible pathway to transferences involving this nerve.