indications of early tandon transfers in radial nerve palsy

the appropriate time for performing transfers in radial nerve palsy is somewhat a controversial matter. brown suggested that it would be advisable to proceed early with the full component of tandon transfers when there is a questionable or poor prognosis for the nerve repair. for example, when there is a nerve gap of greater than 4 cm or when there is a large wound or extensive scarring or skin loss over the nerve. he recommended ignoring the nerve and proceeding directly to tandon transfer