Transfer of sensibility in the hand: a new method to restore sensibility in ulnar nerve palsy with use of microsurgical digital nerve translocation.

Abstract

We describe a technique of translocation of a functioning proximal digital nerve into a non-functional distal digital nerve. Seventeen cases of digital nerve translocation have been done, thirteen were done for treatment of ulnar nerve palsy. Three patients were less than six months after operation and one had died, leaving thirteen available for follow-up. The average length of follow-up is seventy-eight months. Outcome was assessed objectively by functional sensory testing and subjectively by questionnaire. Ten (85%) of twelve of those tested had return of two-point discrimination. In all cases proprioception and protective sensibility were restored to the affected digit.