The recovery and independence of elbow flexion and forearm supination after Oberlin II transfer in brachial plexus injuries: a long term follows up study

The Oberlin II double fascicular nerve transfer has been evaluated extensively for objective outcomes for elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries (BPI). However, there is limited information available on the recovery pattern of supination and patient-reported activity in the long-term. Our study aimed to assess the functional results with a minimum of five years of follow-up.

We evaluated patients with a minimum of five years after the Oberlin II procedure for post-traumatic BPI. They were evaluated using MRC grading, range of active movements, QuickDASH score and activity to check elbow flexion and forearm supination independent of finger and wrist flexion.

18 out of 26 patients responded with a mean follow-up of 79.4 months (range: 61–98). 16 (88.9%) (p < 0.000) patients recovered to achieve active elbow flexion and forearm supination of either MRC grade 3 power or more. The average range of active elbow flexion was 113.9^° (range: 0–140^°) and active supination was 67.8^° (0–90^°). Patients who achieved grade 3 flexion or higher were found to regain supination after a delay. The recovery continues even after two years of surgery. The mean QuickDASH score was 21.8 (range: 2.3–63.6). There’s a significant inverse correlation between QuickDASH with both flexion and supination (p < .001 and < 0.05). 15 patients (83.3%) could demonstrate a dissociation of elbow and forearm movements from digital and wrist movements.

Our study demonstrated reliable functional results with independent elbow flexion, forearm supination and acceptable patient-reported outcomes for Oberlin II procedure in BPI.