Elbow flexion recovery after intercostal nerve transfer in elderly patients: a clinical experience report - Takeaways - MDSpire

Elbow flexion recovery after intercostal nerve transfer in elderly patients: a clinical experience report

  • By

  • Evelina Llorian

  • Gabriela Magalhães

  • Ingrid Espíndola

  • Fernando Guedes

  • April 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve is a viable option for restoring elbow flexion in elderly patients with brachial plexus injuries.

  • 2

    Elderly patients represented less than 1.6% of ICN-to-MCN transfers, highlighting their underrepresentation in surgical outcomes literature.

  • 3

    Early reconstruction within 2 months post-injury significantly improved functional recovery compared to delayed surgery beyond 5 months.

  • 4

    Preserved muscle quality, tension-free coaptation, and adherence to rehabilitation are crucial for successful outcomes in older adults.

  • 5

    Chronological age should not be a sole contraindication for nerve transfer, but the therapeutic window for success is narrower in older patients.

Original Source(s)

Elbow flexion recovery after intercostal nerve transfer in elderly patients: a clinical experience report

  • by Evelina Llorian, Gabriela Magalhães, Ingrid Espíndola, Fernando Guedes

  • April 8, 2026

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