Introduction:

The axillary nerve can be repaired by neurolysis, neurorrhaphy, nerve graft, and radial-axillary nerve transfer (neurotization). The latter has gained preference among surgeons because it restores shoulder function satisfactorily.

Objective:

To show the results of deltoid function after reconstruction of the axillary nerve by nerve transfer from the radial branch to the long head of the triceps.

Case presentation:

This the case of a 42-year-old male patient. He carried a weight on his right shoulder and sustained a partial upper brachial plexus injury involving the axillary nerve. Three months later, paralysis of the deltoid and teres minor muscles was confirmed, with absolute functional impotence of the shoulder for abduction and external rotation. A nerve transfer from the radial branch to the long head of the triceps brachii muscle was performed to a motor branch of the axillary nerve. The evolution showed total restoration of shoulder function six months after surgery. There were no complications.

Conclusions:

The transfer of the radial nerve branch to the long head of the triceps is an effective and safe method for the reconstruction of the axillary nerve.

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