Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07434999

Tendon Transfer for Correction of Pinch in Chronic Ulnar Nerve Injury

This prospective study evaluates the outcomes of combined ECRB and APL tendon transfer for restoring pinch function in patients with chronic ulnar nerve injury. Patients will be followed postoperatively to assess improvement in hand function, strength, and daily activity performance. Participation is voluntary and all standard care procedures will be maintained

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

SohagUniversity

Sohag, Egypt

About this study

The study is a prospective, single-center interventional trial including adult patients diagnosed with chronic ulnar nerve injury affecting pinch function. Eligible participants will undergo combined ECRB (Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis) tendon transfer to adductor pollicis tendon and APL (Abductor Pollicis Longus) tendon transfer to 1st dorsal interosseous tendon that performed by experienced surgeons. Preoperative evaluation includes baseline hand function, pinch strength, and disability assessment. Postoperative follow-up will occur at 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks to measure functional improvement using standardized hand assessment tools. Adverse events will be monitored and recorded. Inclusion criteria: adults ≥18 years, chronic ulnar nerve injury >6 months, and consent to participate. Exclusion criteria: prior tendon transfer, coexisting neuromuscular disorder, or inability to provide consent. Data will be anonymized to maintain confidentiality, and all ethical approvals will be in place.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with chronic ulnar nerve injury (more than 1 year duration).
  • Age between 18 and 60 years.
  • Patients with stable joints and good passive range of motion of the hand and fingers.
  • Absence of active infection or severe contracture.

Exclusion criteria

  • • Patients with combined median or radial nerve injury.
  • Patients with severe soft-tissue loss or fixed deformities precluding tendon transfer.
  • Uncooperative patients or those with systemic diseases affecting muscle power or healing (e.g., diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease).

Treatment and study plan

Combined ECRB and APL Tendon Transfer

Procedure

This surgical procedure involves transferring the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) and Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) tendons to restore pinch function in patients with chronic ulnar nerve injury. Standard postoperative physiotherapy will follow, with assessments at 4, 6, and 12 weeks to monitor pinch strength, thumb mobility, and any complications

Primary outcomes

  1. Mean Grip Strength of the Operated Hand Measured Using a Hand Dynamometer (kg)

    Time frame: 6 months postoperatively

    Grip strength of the operated hand will be assessed using a calibrated hand dynamometer. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained during the same session, and the average value will be calculated and reported in kilograms.

Secondary outcomes

  1. DASH Score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire)

    Time frame: 3 months postoperatively

    Functional outcome will be assessed using the DASH questionnaire. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The overall total score will be reported.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sohag University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Combined ECRB and APL Tendon Transfer for Pinch Restoration in Chronic Ulnar Nerve Injury

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.