Chronic Ulnar Nerve Injury
Conditions
Brief summary
This prospective study evaluates the outcomes of combined ECRB and APL tendon transfer for restoring pinch function in patients with chronic ulnar nerve injury. Patients will be followed postoperatively to assess improvement in hand function, strength, and daily activity performance. Participation is voluntary and all standard care procedures will be maintained
Detailed description
The study is a prospective, single-center interventional trial including adult patients diagnosed with chronic ulnar nerve injury affecting pinch function. Eligible participants will undergo combined ECRB (Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis) tendon transfer to adductor pollicis tendon and APL (Abductor Pollicis Longus) tendon transfer to 1st dorsal interosseous tendon that performed by experienced surgeons. Preoperative evaluation includes baseline hand function, pinch strength, and disability assessment. Postoperative follow-up will occur at 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks to measure functional improvement using standardized hand assessment tools. Adverse events will be monitored and recorded. Inclusion criteria: adults ≥18 years, chronic ulnar nerve injury \>6 months, and consent to participate. Exclusion criteria: prior tendon transfer, coexisting neuromuscular disorder, or inability to provide consent. Data will be anonymized to maintain confidentiality, and all ethical approvals will be in place.
Interventions
PROCEDURECombined ECRB and APL Tendon Transfer
This surgical procedure involves transferring the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) and Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) tendons to restore pinch function in patients with chronic ulnar nerve injury. Standard postoperative physiotherapy will follow, with assessments at 4, 6, and 12 weeks to monitor pinch strength, thumb mobility, and any complications
Sponsors
Sohag University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
The outcomes assessor performing post-operative functional evaluations will be blinded to the intervention assignment to minimize assessment bias.
Intervention model description
Participants will be assigned to intervention or control arms to evaluate functional improvement after ECRB and APL tendon transfer. Each participant will undergo baseline assessment of hand function, and post-operative follow-ups will assess pinch restoration, grip strength, and dexterity
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Patients with chronic ulnar nerve injury (more than 1 year duration). * Age between 18 and 60 years. * Patients with stable joints and good passive range of motion of the hand and fingers. * Absence of active infection or severe contracture.
Exclusion criteria
* • Patients with combined median or radial nerve injury. * Patients with severe soft-tissue loss or fixed deformities precluding tendon transfer. * Uncooperative patients or those with systemic diseases affecting muscle power or healing (e.g., diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Grip Strength of the Operated Hand Measured Using a Hand Dynamometer (kg) | 6 months postoperatively | Grip strength of the operated hand will be assessed using a calibrated hand dynamometer. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained during the same session, and the average value will be calculated and reported in kilograms. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DASH Score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire) | 3 months postoperatively | Functional outcome will be assessed using the DASH questionnaire. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The overall total score will be reported. |
Countries
Egypt
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORMostafa Elsayed
Sohag University
Outcome results
None listed