The Biomechanics of the Split Pedicled Flexor Carpi Ulnaris For Tendon Transfer

The reconstruction of the upper limb often requires functioning muscle units to be transferred. In severe injuries such as crushed forearms, Volkmann's ischaemia, brachial plexus lesions and tetraplegia, there is often a paucity of available muscle units for reconstruction. One avenue, which is relatively unexplored, is the use of split pedicled muscle transfers. The prerequisite for a split muscle to work is the presence of two or more sub-division or compartments, each with its own neuro-vascular supply. The flexor carpi ulnaris has been found to have two neuromuscular compartments, each compartment having with its own nerve entry point (motor point) and blood supply. This paper looks at the independent isometric function and muscle architecture of neuromuscular compartments of the split flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) in the adult macaca fascicularis.