Neuromiotización o transferencia tendinosa en lesiones de nervio radial: Conceptos y experiencia en centros de neurotrauma: Instituto de Neurocirugía Asenjo y Hospital de Urgencias Asistencia Pública

Abstract

Neuromyotization in Radial Nerve Injuries: A surgical technique used by neurosurgeons as well as orthopedic surgeons, wherein tendon transfers at the forearm and wrist levels are performed to restore distal motor function lost due to neural injury. Specifically, wrist dorsiflexion, three-phalange finger extension, and thumb extension are targeted. Despite its infrequent application owing to the favorable outcomes of microsurgery and rehabilitation for radial nerve injuries, neuromyotization is currently regarded as the 'last resort' in such cases of peripheral nerve injury. Achieving the technique's intended goal necessitates a lengthy process involving three distinct surgeries, physiotherapy, functional rehabilitation, and mental reeducation, considering that a tendon originally serving one motor function will now serve another. Given this context, the present work will delve into topics such as the history of the technique, its general aspects, indications and contraindications, the surgical procedure itself, local outcomes compared to certain international series, and will conclude with notable patient case examples who have undergone this surgery.