An Anatomical Feasibility Study on the Use of the Hypoglossal and Hemihypoglossal Nerve as a Donor Motor Nerve for Free Functioning Muscle Transfer in Upper Extremity Reconstruction

Direct Hemi-Hypoglossal Nerve and Hypoglossal Nerve for Suprascapular Nerve/Proximal Brachial Plexus Neurotization: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study

“…These authors reported minimal donor site morbidity and good functional results [ 12 ]. In an anatomical feasibility study by Liao et al [ 11 ], the hypoglossal nerve was considered for reinnervation of the obturator nerve or thoracodorsal nerve in free functional muscle transfers used to restore elbow flexion. Their results showed that the length of the nerve (7-12 cm) was sufficient for transfer without the need for an additional nerve graft [ 11 ].…”

“…The hypoglossal nerve transfer has rarely been used for the repair of brachial plexus injuries as it traditionally required the use of interpositional nerve grafts, often the sural nerve [11][12][13][14]. However, due to the established success with hypoglossal-facial nerve grafts for the restoration of voluntary muscle function, we hypothesized that direct hypoglossal-suprascapular nerve transfers may be possible.…”