Posterior interosseous nerve to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve transfer at the distal third of the forearm through a single anterior approach: Anatomical feasibility study.

The purpose of this study was to determine in a cadaver model, whether transfer of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve (SBUN) by a single approach was feasible. The experiment was carried out on five fresh cadavers. The ulnar nerve was split into its motor branches and the SBUN. The PIN was collected behind the interosseous membrane and sutured to the SBUN on its anterior surface. All sutures were tensionless and technically possible with the PIN's diameter being at least 50% of the SBUN's diameter in all cases. Our results demonstrate that PIN to SBUN transfer through a single anterior approach is feasible in a cadaver model.