Abstract

The brachioradialis muscle is a common donor in tetraplegia reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the available excursion of the brachioradialis during graduated release of its insertion sites. Fourteen extremities in 10 patients with cervical spine injuries underwent surgical reconstruction for restoration of hand function using the brachioradialis as a donor for one of the restored movements. At the time of surgery the brachioradialis was exposed along the forearm and a wire was inserted into the muscle followed by excitation with a biphasic, asymmetrical, charge-balanced waveform. A 12-Hz frequency and 20-mA current were used to stimulate the muscle while the pulse duration was varied between 0 and 200 milliseconds to achieve maximum contraction. Average brachioradialis excursion after incision of the radial styloid insertion site was 8 mm and 14 mm after mobilization to the musculotendinous junction. Further release of the fascial connections and mobilization of the muscle belly increased the excursion to an average of 61 mm. The increase in excursion after fascial release and muscle mobilization was significant and should be performed to obtain maximum available excursion.

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Publisher Full Text

Authors

Kozin SH, Bednar M

Institution

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University, and Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.

Source

The Journal of hand surgery 26:3 2001 May pg 510-4

MeSH

Adolescent
Adult
Child
Electric Stimulation
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Quadriplegia
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Spinal Cord Injuries
Tendon Transfer

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

11418916