Biceps-to-triceps transfer for active shoulder abduction deficit in brachial plexus birth palsy: a small case series.
J Hand Surg Eur VolApr 4, 2026 (epub)
Case ReportOrthopedic Surgery
Abdelaziz Boulahouache, Zoubir Belkheyar
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Case in brief
Three children with brachial plexus birth palsy had concurrent deficits in shoulder abduction and elbow extension attributed to cocontraction after natural recovery. They underwent biceps-to-triceps transfer. Active shoulder abduction improved substantially, while elbow flexion was not impaired.
What made this case unusual
The transfer was used to address shoulder abduction deficit in children whose elbow extension deficit was attributed to cocontraction, with improvement in abduction and preserved elbow flexion.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In this case series, biceps-to-triceps transfer was associated with improved active shoulder abduction without impairing elbow flexion in children with cocontraction-related deficits.