Nerve transfer for wrist extension using nerve to flexor digitorum superficialis in cervical 5, 6, and 7 root avulsions: anatomic study and report of two cases.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of restoring wrist extension in patients with complete cervical root 5 (C5), 6, and 7 avulsion injuries by transferring the most proximal branch of the median nerve that innervates flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle (proximal FDS branch) to the branch of the radial nerve that innervates extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle (ECRB branch) in an anatomic study and 2 case reports.

Methods: The study was performed on 10 fresh cadavers. The nerve branches of the median nerve and the radial nerve were measured for length, diameter, and sites of origin of their nerve branches.