[The restoration of hand functions after irreparable injury of the radial nerve].

Introduction: The aim of our study was to evaluate the methods used and results achieved for the restoration of function of the hands in patients with irreparable injury to the radial nerve.

Materials and methods: We studied the type and number of methods used for the restoration of mobility function of the hands by tendon transfer of active muscle to affected muscle. Moreover, we implemented rehabilitation treatment in patients with irreparable injury to the radial nerve. Descriptions of the treatment were presented in 6 scientific reports published between 1996 and 2015. The available literature presents the results of the treatment of 129 patients with irreparable injury to the radial nerve.

Results: The restoration activities of patients’ hand function was most frequently done by tendon transfer, i.e. the pronator teres muscle on the extensor carpi radialis brevis in 100 (72.5%) patients, the palmaris longus muscle on the extensor pollicis longus in 88 (68.2%) patients, and the flexor carpii ulnaris muscle on the extensor digitorum communis in 99 (76.7%) patients. During the pre- and postoperative period rehabilitation treatment played a crucial role in the restoration of patients’ hand functions.

Conclusion: All patients regained a complete or almost complete extension of the wrist and fingers. The strength of the hands was generally satisfactory. The dexterity of the hands in the majority of the studied patients was very good or good.