An Intraoperative Method to Evaluate Elbow Flexion and Supination Strength During Biceps-to-Triceps Transfer for Tetraplegia

Kozin, Scott H.
Mulcahey, M. J.
Betz, Randal R.

Scott H. Kozin, MD,is Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University, and Hand Surgeon, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
M.J. Mulcahey, OTR/L,is Director of Rehabilitation Services, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Randal R. Betz, MD,is Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University, and Chief of Staff, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation 6:p 68-71, Summer 2000. | DOI: 10.1310/9EF5-9LY4-TV14-W5M7

Biceps-to-triceps tendon transfer is used for restoration of elbow extension in tetraplegia reconstruction. Adequate supinator and brachialis muscle functions are prerequisites to this technique. The preoperative evaluation to isolate the actions of these muscles is imprecise. An intraoperative technique to evaluate satisfactory strength of the brachialis and supinator muscles is presented to affirm no loss of function prior to transfer.