AzTrials
AzTrials

Brachial Plexus PalsyNCT07605494

Biceps to Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tendon Transfer for Finger Flexion Reconstruction After Pan-brachial Plexus Injury

A study testing Biceps to FDS tendon transfer in people with Brachial Plexus Palsy and Brachial Plexus Injury, run by Siriraj Hospital at 1 site in Thailand.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This study is a prospective single-arm surgical protocol evaluating biceps-to-flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon transfer using a tensor fascia lata graft for restoration of finger flexion in patients with traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury (pan-BPI). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Brachial Plexus Palsy, Brachial Plexus Injury
What is being tested?
Biceps to FDS tendon transfer
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
17 participants
Where
1 siteThailand
Study dates
1 May 2014to 31 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Brachial plexus injury patients with successful nerve transfer surgery for elbow flexion
  • Elbow flexion motor power at least grade 4

Who cannot join

  • Stiffness of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint
  • Stiffness of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint
  • Severe soft tissue injury around the forearm

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Thailand1 site
  • Siriraj Hospital

    Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700

Other trials in Thailand

About this study

This study is a prospective single-arm surgical protocol evaluating biceps-to-flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon transfer using a tensor fascia lata graft for restoration of finger flexion in patients with traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury (pan-BPI). Finger flexion reconstruction in intrinsic-minus hands remains challenging, as conventional flexor digitorum profundus (FDP)-based reconstructions may result in clawing and ineffective grasp. The proposed technique aims to improve metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint flexion to enhance functional grasp. Eligible patients are those with pan-BPI who previously underwent nerve transfer and achieved elbow flexion strength of at least Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4. Patients with significant joint stiffness, severe forearm soft tissue injury, or insufficient elbow flexion strength are excluded. The procedure consists of staged reconstruction followed by tendon transfer with tensor fascia lata graft interposition. Postoperative management includes 4 weeks of immobilization and progressive rehabilitation. The primary outcome is functional finger flexion, while secondary outcomes include complications and reoperation rates.

Read the detailed description

Traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury (pan-BPI) results in severe upper limb dysfunction, with finger flexion restoration remaining challenging. FDP-based reconstructions often produce clawing and ineffective grasp in intrinsic-minus hands. This study proposes biceps-to-FDS tendon transfer using a tensor fascia lata graft to improve MCP and PIP flexion and enhance grasp. This is a prospective single-arm surgical protocol. Eligible patients include those with pan-BPI who have undergone nerve transfer and achieved elbow flexion at least MRC grade 4. Patients with joint stiffness, severe forearm soft tissue injury, or inadequate elbow strength are excluded. The procedure involves staged reconstruction, followed by tendon transfer with graft interposition. Postoperatively, immobilization is maintained for 4 weeks, with gradual rehabilitation. Primary outcome is functional finger flexion. Secondary outcomes include complications and reoperation.

Being tested
Biceps to FDS tendon transfer
Keywords
Brachial plexus palsy, Tendon transfer, Finger flexion reconstruction, Brachial plexus injury, secondary reconstruction

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Biceps to FDS tendon transferProcedure or surgery

    All procedures were performed under general anesthesia. An S-shaped incision was made over the anterior elbow to identify and mobilize the biceps tendon to its insertion at the radial tuberosity, followed by division of the bicipital aponeurosis. A second incision was made in the distal forearm to identify the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. The tendon gap was measured to determine graft length. A tensor fascia lata graft was harvested from the lateral thigh, tubularized, and used as an interposition tendon graft. The graft was attached to the biceps tendon using the Pulvertaft technique with nonabsorbable sutures, then passed through a subfascial tunnel to the distal forearm to prevent bowstringing. With the elbow flexed at 90° and fingers in full flexion, the distal graft was woven into the FDS tendons using the Pulvertaft technique. Transfer tension was confirmed by assessing the tenodesis effect.

Study groups in NCT07605494
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Biceps to FDS transferExperimentalPatients with traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury without spontaneous recovery underwent staged reconstruction to restore upper extremity function. Initial nerve transfer procedures included phrenic nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve for shoulder stabilization and spinal accessory or intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve or motor branch to the biceps for elbow flexion restoration. Secondary procedures, including wrist arthrodesis and first carpometacarpal joint fusion, were performed to optimize hand positioning for grasp. After patient selection, those with elbow flexion strength of at least Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4 underwent biceps-to-flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon transfer using tensor fascia lata as an interposition tendon graft. Patients with finger joint stiffness, severe forearm soft tissue injury, or elbow flexion strength less than MRC grade 4 were excluded.
Receives: Procedure: Biceps to FDS tendon transfer

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Finger flexion motor power

    Finger flexion motor power was assessed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system at postoperative follow-up visits for a minimum of 3 months after surgery. Motor strength was graded on a scale from M0 to M5, where M0 indicates no visible muscle contraction and M5 indicates normal muscle strength against full resistance. Functional finger flexion strength during grasp was evaluated clinically by the treating surgeon.

    Measured: From enrollment to at least 3 months after surgery

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Elbow flexion motor power

    Elbow flexion motor power was assessed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system at postoperative follow-up visits for a minimum of 3 months after surgery. Motor strength was graded on a scale from M0 to M5, where M0 indicates no visible muscle contraction and M5 indicates normal muscle strength against full resistance. Elbow flexion strength was evaluated clinically by the treating surgeon.

    Measured: From enrollment to at least 3 months after surgery

  2. Tendon rupture

    Tendon rupture was assessed as a postoperative complication during follow-up visits for a minimum of 3 months after surgery. Tendon rupture was diagnosed clinically based on loss of active finger flexion or loss of previously achieved motor function at the tendon transfer site, with additional imaging performed when clinically indicated. The incidence of tendon rupture and the need for reoperation were recorded.

    Measured: From enrollment to at least 3 months after surgery

  3. Finger stiffness

    Finger stiffness related to excessive tension of the tendon transfer was assessed as a postoperative complication during follow-up visits for a minimum of 3 months after surgery. The complication was defined as limitation of passive and/or active finger motion associated with excessive tightness of the tendon transfer, resulting in impaired hand opening or functional finger movement. Clinical evaluation was performed by the treating surgeon, and the incidence of stiffness and requirement for additional intervention were recorded.

    Measured: From enrollment to at least 3 months after surgery

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted26 May 2026
  2. Study start1 May 2014
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2025
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
17 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07605494
Sponsor's protocol ID
SIRB ID: 742/2568(IRB2)
Other IDs
COA no. Si 745/2025
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
18 May 2026
Last updated
26 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: The data might be available upon request.

Publications

  • Maldonado AA, Poppler L, Loosbrock Rn MF, Spinner RJ, Bishop AT, Shin AY. Restoration of Grasp after Single-Stage Free Functioning Gracilis Muscle Transfer in Traumatic Adult Pan-Brachial Plexus Injury. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023 Jan 1;151(1):133-142. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009787. Epub 2022 Oct 11.

    PubMed 36219863
  • Hara Y, Nishiura Y, Yoshii Y, Asakawa S, Matsumoto Y, Ochiai N. Reconstruction of hook grip function of the fingers in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2022 Apr;47(4):399-404. doi: 10.1177/17531934211054968. Epub 2021 Oct 29.

    PubMed 34713748
  • Oberlin C, Durand S, Fox M, Belkheyar Z. Transfer of the recovered biceps to the long flexors of the digits to restore grip function following complete traumatic brachial plexus palsy. Chir Main. 2010 Jun;29(3):167-71. doi: 10.1016/j.main.2010.03.010.

    PubMed 20556886
  • Gousheh J, Arasteh E. Upper limb functional restoration in old and complete brachial plexus paralysis. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2010 Jan;35(1):16-22. doi: 10.1177/1753193409348182. Epub 2009 Oct 20.

    PubMed 19843627
  • Goubier JN, Teboul F. Restoration of active fingers flexion with tensor fascia lata transfer in total brachial plexus palsy. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2009 Mar;13(1):1-3. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0b013e3181818832.

    PubMed 19276917
  • DeGeorge BR Jr, Becker HA, Faryna JH, Spinner RJ, Bishop AT, Shin AY. Outcomes of Muscle Brachialis Transfer to Restore Finger Flexion in Brachial Plexus Palsy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Aug;140(2):307e-317e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003563.

    PubMed 28746282
  • Bertelli JA, Ghizoni MF. Brachialis muscle transfer to reconstruct finger flexion or wrist extension in brachial plexus palsy. J Hand Surg Am. 2006 Feb;31(2):190-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.09.020.

    PubMed 16473677
  • Doi K, Sakai K, Kuwata N, Ihara K, Kawai S. Reconstruction of finger and elbow function after complete avulsion of the brachial plexus. J Hand Surg Am. 1991 Sep;16(5):796-803. doi: 10.1016/s0363-5023(10)80138-8.

    PubMed 1940155
  • Shen YD, Zheng MX, Hua XY, Qiu YQ, Hu KJ, Xu WD. Brachialis muscle transfer for reconstructing digital flexion after brachial plexus injury or forearm injury. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2018 Mar;43(3):259-268. doi: 10.1177/1753193417730656. Epub 2017 Sep 13.

    PubMed 28901818
  • Kummari VK, Bhardwaj P, Varadharajan V, Madhusudhan NC, Venkatramani H, Raja Sabapathy S. Restoration of Hand Function in Isolated Lower Brachial Plexus Injury with Brachioradialis to Flexor Pollicis Longus and Biceps to Flexor Digitorum Profundus Transfer. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2022 Aug;27(4):599-606. doi: 10.1142/S2424835522500655. Epub 2022 Aug 11.

    PubMed 35965380
  • Doi K, Hattori Y, Sakamoto S, Dodakundi C, Satbhai NG, Montales T. Current Procedure of Double Free Muscle Transfer for Traumatic Total Brachial Plexus Palsy. JBJS Essent Surg Tech. 2013 Aug 28;3(3):e16. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.ST.M.00010. eCollection 2014 Sep.

    PubMed 30881747
  • Doi K, Hattori Y, Tan SH, Dhawan V. Basic science behind functioning free muscle transplantation. Clin Plast Surg. 2002 Oct;29(4):483-95, v-vi. doi: 10.1016/s0094-1298(02)00020-2.

    PubMed 12484600
  • Wang SF, Li PC, Xue YH, Li F, Berger AJ, Bhatia A. Direct Repair of the Lower Trunk to Residual Nerve Roots for Restoration of Finger Flexion After Total Brachial Plexus Injury. J Hand Surg Am. 2021 May;46(5):423.e1-423.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.09.023. Epub 2020 Dec 14.

    PubMed 33334621
  • Yang G, Chang KW, Chung KC. A Systematic Review of Contralateral C7 Transfer for the Treatment of Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: Part 1. Overall Outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Oct;136(4):794-809. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000001494.

    PubMed 26397253
  • Lanier ST, Hill JR, James AS, Rolf L, Brogan DM, Dy CJ. Approach to the Pan-brachial Plexus Injury: Variation in Surgical Strategies among Surgeons. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Nov 24;8(11):e3267. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003267. eCollection 2020 Nov.

    PubMed 33299725

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Biceps to FDS tendon transfer in people with Brachial Plexus Palsy and Brachial Plexus Injury, run by Siriraj Hospital at 1 site in Thailand.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Thailand. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Finger flexion motor power (time frame: From enrollment to at least 3 months after surgery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07605494, which also lists 15 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 May 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in