Current status of brachial plexus reconstruction: restoration of hand function.

Although restoration of hand function in brachial plexus patients remains a formidable challenge, the past decade has brought significant improvement in our ability to restore hand function even in the most severe cases. Today, the following options are available to restore hand function: (1) direct nerve repair; (2) nerve grafting; (3) nerve transfers from intraplexal or extraplexal sources; (4) tendon transfers (and tenodesis); (5) free functioning muscle transfer; (6) arthrodesis; and (7) a combination of these techniques. Opportunity for future improvement exists, and the next decade will no doubt bring further innovation. 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.