Abstract
A case of iatrogenic ulnar nerve laceration at the elbow is presented. Five subsequent
surgeries over the course of the ensuing 20 months were performed to address this
complication. The article examines the scientific basis for the various decisions
needed to formulate a strategy that effectively addresses the problem. Emphasis is
placed on the microsurgery of nerve topics: direct nerve repair, autogenous cable
nerve grafting, biodegradable conduits, decellularized nerve allograft, and transfer
of the anterior interosseous nerve to the ulnar motor branch. The discussion covers
the relationship between choices made at the level of the original injury at the cubital
tunnel to the timing and selection of distal reconstructive efforts, with specific
attention to the distinction between end-to-end anterior interosseous to ulnar motor
branch transfer as opposed to the supercharged end-to-side variation of this procedure.
Keywords
Grafting - Laceration - Nerve - Release - Ulnar
