Restoration of Grasp after Single-Stage Free Functioning Gracilis Muscle Transfer in Traumatic Adult Pan-Brachial Plexus Injury

Background: A variety of approaches have been described to obtain rudimentary grasp after traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury in adults. The aim of this study is to evaluate hand prehension after a gracilis single-stage free functioning muscle transfer. Methods: Twenty-seven patients who underwent gracilis single-stage free functioning muscle transfer for elbow flexion and hand prehension after a pan-plexus injury were included. All patients presented with a minimum of 2 years of followup. Postoperative finger flexion, elbow flexion strength, preoperative and postoperative Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores, secondary hand procedures, complications, and demographic characteristics were analyzed. Results: Twenty patients (74%) demonstrated active finger pull-through. Only six patients (25%) considered their hand function useful for daily activities. Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved by 13.1 ± 13.7 (P < 0.005). All patients were expected to require one secondary procedure (wrist fusion, thumb carpometacarpal fusion, and/or thumb interphalangeal fusion) because no extensor reconstruction was performed. These were performed in 89%, 78%, and 74% of patients, respectively. Four postoperative complications (hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, and skin paddle loss) occurred. No flap loss occurred. Conclusions: In pan-plexus injuries, the use of a gracilis single-stage free functioning muscle transfer is an alternative to the double free functioning muscle transfer procedure and contralateral C7 transfer, especially for patients who are unable to undergo two to three important operations in a short period of time. Further research and studies are required to improve hand function in these patients.