This document discusses selective nerve transfer to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. Specifically, it describes the nerve to the long head of the triceps as being expendable, a pure motor nerve with a constant origination point in proximity to the axillary nerve and similar size. The document concludes that selective transfer of the nerve to the long head of triceps to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve can restore shoulder abduction without requiring muscle re-education.

1. Somsak Leechavengvongs, M.D.
Institute of Orthopedics, Lerdsin Hospital
Bangkok Thailand

2. Branch of radial nerve to the
long head of triceps
Anterior br. of axillary n.
(to ant.& middle deltoid m ±post
deltoid.)
J Hand Surg 2003;28A:628–632

3. Nerve. to long head of triceps
Anterior. br. of axillary n.
Posterior approach J Hand Surg 2003;28A:628–632

4.  Distal spinal accessory n. Suprascapular n.
 N. to long head of triceps Ant. br. axillary n.
Posterior
Approach
J Hand Surg 2003;28A:633–638

5.  All cases gained M4 or better
 Average shoulder abduction 124°
 No functional deficit of the triceps
 No muscle re-education needed
J Hand Surg 2003;28A:633–638

7.  The nerve to the long head of the triceps
 Expendable
 A pure motor nerve
 Constant origination point
 Proximity to the axillary nerve
 Similar size to the axillary nerve
 No specific motor re-education required
Clin Anat. 2013 ;26(3):386-91

8. Transfer to The Anterior Branch of
The Axillary Nerve
 Avoid wasteful regeneration of axons into
the teres minor and the superior lateral
cutaneous nerve

10. Selective transfer to Ant
branch of Axillary nerve