Triceps motor branch transfer has been used for more than ten years to restore deltoid function after axillary nerve injury. However, there have been few reports of the outcome of this procedure in isolated axillary nerve injury.

Triceps motor branch transfer could be an effective method to restore deltoid function for patients with isolated axillary nerve injury.

Nine patients who underwent triceps motor branch transfer for treatment of isolated axillary nerve injury were followed up for at least 22 months. Shoulder abduction was assessed for all patients. The DASH outcome questionnaire was completed by every patient. Electrophysiological study was performed on 7 patients.

All patients regained≥90° (mean, 137°) shoulder abduction. Mean DASH score decreased from 35.2 before surgery to 13.1 at the last follow-up. There was no noticeable weakness of elbow extension in any patient.

Triceps motor branch transfer provided good results and may be a feasible alternative to nerve grafting for the treatment of complete isolated axillary nerve injury.

IV, retrospective cohort study.