In the present study, the success rate was 47.6% suggesting that the chance of successful reinnervation using ETSN is lower than we previously thought. The results of ETSN in brachial plexus reconstruction are similar to neurotization using the extraplexal nerves as donors of motor nerve fibers in end-to-end neurotization.
Generally, a limited amount of motoneurons have the capacity to send off collateral sprouts from intact axons2. We conclude that ETSN should be used in adult brachial plexus reconstructive surgery only if "classic donor nerves" are not available.
One advantage of ETSN over "classic" neurotization is that there is no need to sacrifice the surrounding nerves or fascicles of the ulnar nerve (Oberlin's technique).