An Intraoperative Method to Evaluate Elbow Flexion and Supination Strength During Biceps-to-Triceps Transfer for Tetraplegia

Biceps-to-triceps tendon transfer is used for restoration of elbow extension in tetraplegia reconstruction. Adequate supinator and brachialis muscle functions are prerequisites to this technique. The preoperative evaluation to isolate the actions of these muscles is imprecise. An intraoperative technique to evaluate satisfactory strength of the brachialis and supinator muscles is presented to affirm no loss of function prior to transfer.