Results of Flexor Carpi Radialis and Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon Transfers in Chronic Radial Nerve Palsy

Palliative tendon transfer procedures for radial nerve palsy are continuing to evolve. There is a big history behind this procedure. Many studies are done and they have gradually led to describe two basic methods of transfer, using the flexor carpi ulnaris or the flexor carpi radialis for transfer. There are some differences in cosmetic and functional results of these surgical plans. This study was done to compare these two methods.This study was done in Alzahra hospital in Isfahan. 41 known cases of chronic radial nerve palsy that had the inclusion criteria were selected during 7 years. They had divided into 2 groups randomly. In one group, we used flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and in the other one we used flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) to restore fingers (metacarpophalangeal joint) extension. Post operative plan was the same in both groups. A questionnaire was designed and each patient was evaluated by physical exam. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS software. The chi square, t, and Fischer tests were used for data analyzing. There was significant difference between fingers active extension, Ulnar deviation and cosmetic results in two groups (P < 0.05). The difference between wrist extension, infection and scar formation was not significant (P > 0.05). The use of FCR method had better results in our study. We recommend this method if the patient does not have any contra indications.