Nerve Transfers in the Lower Extremity

The utilization of nerve transfer procedures in the upper extremity following brachial plexus injury, trauma, spinal cord tumors, infection or other etiologies are well established. Nerve injuries lower pose several additional challenges, including longer distance to target motor end plates, far-proximal lumbar pelvis, delayed presentation, and concomitant limb trauma. transfers have potential provide functional (sensory motor) recovery distally after direct surgical coaptation a donor non-functional recipient nerve. In addition, ability perform pure sensory fascicular allows for focused while limiting morbidity. Indications evolving, but been utilized non-recovering peroneal, obturator, femoral tibial palsies, protective sensation plantar aspect foot, as painful neuropathies/neuromas. There is paucity orthopaedic literature on this topic our review aims highlight current state they relate practicing orthopaedist, future directions field.