Palsy of elbow extension

Elbow extension palsy is generally well tolerated, because when standing up, it is alleviated by gravity. In the case of trunk paralysis or brachial plexus palsy, standing is possible, thus the restoration of active elbow extension improves the hand's positioning above the shoulder, and allows the elbow to be locked in extension, which is necessary during certain activities such as cycling. In these palsy cases, the triceps brachii will be reinnervated by nerve transfers if surgery is performed early enough before irreversible atrophy of the effector muscle sets in. In these situations, secondary tendon transfers are rarely indicated. Few available muscles can be harvested without deleterious consequences on the donor site. Finally, in patients with a very deficient upper limb but with a healthy contralateral limb, when nerve transfers are no longer possible, elbow extension will not be restored. In the tetraplegics using a wheelchair, elbow extension becomes essential for positioning the hand in space and for potentiating the transferable muscles to activate the hand. As nerve transfers have rare indications and are currently being validated in this population, palliative tendon transfers are the reference technique. They must be integrated into an overall upper limb reconstructive surgery program that takes into consideration the potentially usable muscles and the presence of elbow flexion contracture and supination deformity of the forearm. Elbow extension restoration techniques are based on the transfer of two muscles, the posterior deltoid and the biceps brachii. The first is very effective and has very specific requirements, notably good anterior stabilization of the shoulder by the pectoralis major, while the second has broader indications, notably in the case of elbow contracture and inability to stabilize the shoulder anteriorly. (C) 2021 SFCM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Elbow extension palsy is generally well tolerated, as it can be alleviated by gravity when standing up. Active restoration of elbow extension improves hand positioning and allows for certain activities. Nerve transfers may restore triceps brachii function in early surgery cases, and palliative tendon transfers are the reference technique when nerve transfers are not possible. Elbow extension is essential for wheelchair users to position the hand and activate transferable muscles. Evaluating the potential muscles and considering contracture and deformity are important in upper limb reconstructive surgery.