ABSTRACT
Paralysis of the elbow is commonly seen in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy and in children with multiple congenital contractures (MCC). In obstetric palsy, the elbow flexors, the elbow extensors or both the flexors and extensors may be paralysed. In MCC, generally either the flexors or the extensors are paralysed. In MCC, flexion deformity of the elbow may be seen when the triceps is paralysed, while an extension deformity may occur when the biceps is paralysed. In children in whom the wrist and hand flexors are of normal power, a simple option for restoring active elbow flexion is to transfer the common flexor origin from the medial epicondyle proximally onto the humeral shaft. The long head of the triceps alone can be transferred to restore the power of elbow flexion. This part of the triceps has a separate neurovascular pedicle and it can be separated from the other two heads fairly easily.
