Spastic wrist flexion in cerebral palsy. Pronator teres versus flexor carpi ulnaris transfer

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Analize data on patients submitted to transfer of the pronator teres (PT) or the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCB) to the extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis (ECRL/B) in order to correct flexed wrist deformity in patients with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Patients were divided into two groups: PT group and FCU group to ECRL/B. The results were evaluated by goniometry and by the functional hand test (FHT). RESULTS: Goniometry showed a statistically significant difference in favor of FCU transfer. There was no statistically significant difference regarding FHT. CONCLUSION: Both transfers PT and FCU to ECRB are good options to correct wrist flexion deformity in cerebral palsy. Level of Evidence III, Non-randomized Controlled Cohort/Follow-Up Study.

Keywords

• Wrist
• Cerebral palsy
• Tendon transfer