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Biceps to Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tendon Transfer for Finger Flexion Reconstruction After Pan-brachial Plexus Injury

NCT07605494 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 17

Last updated 2026-05-26

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study is a prospective single-arm surgical protocol evaluating biceps-to-flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon transfer using a tensor fascia lata graft for restoration of finger flexion in patients with traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury (pan-BPI). Finger flexion reconstruction in intrinsic-minus hands remains challenging, as conventional flexor digitorum profundus (FDP)-based reconstructions may result in clawing and ineffective grasp. The proposed technique aims to improve metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint flexion to enhance functional grasp. Eligible patients are those with pan-BPI who previously underwent nerve transfer and achieved elbow flexion strength of at least Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4. Patients with significant joint stiffness, severe forearm soft tissue injury, or insufficient elbow flexion strength are excluded. The procedure consists of staged reconstruction followed by tendon transfer with tensor fascia lata graft interposition. Postoperative management includes 4 weeks of immobilization and progressive rehabilitation. The primary outcome is functional finger flexion, while secondary outcomes include complications and reoperation rates.

Conditions

  • Brachial Plexus Palsy
  • Brachial Plexus Injury

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Biceps to FDS tendon transfer

All procedures were performed under general anesthesia. An S-shaped incision was made over the anterior elbow to identify and mobilize the biceps tendon to its insertion at the radial tuberosity, followed by division of the bicipital aponeurosis. A second incision was made in the distal forearm to identify the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. The tendon gap was measured to determine graft length. A tensor fascia lata graft was harvested from the lateral thigh, tubularized, and used as an interposition tendon graft. The graft was attached to the biceps tendon using the Pulvertaft technique with nonabsorbable sutures, then passed through a subfascial tunnel to the distal forearm to prevent bowstringing. With the elbow flexed at 90° and fingers in full flexion, the distal graft was woven into the FDS tendons using the Pulvertaft technique. Transfer tension was confirmed by assessing the tenodesis effect.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Siriraj Hospital

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Panai Laohaprasitiporn, MD · Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2014-05-01
Primary Completion
2025-06-30
Completion
2025-12-31

Countries

  • Thailand

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07605494 on ClinicalTrials.gov