01519nas a2200193   4500000000100000008004100001260001300042653001200055653003100067653001100098653001200109653002000121100001500141245013100156300001100287490000800298520100500306022001401311       2003                            d  c2003 May10aFingers10aHand Deformities, Acquired10aHumans10aleprosy10aTendon Transfer1 aMalaviya G00aRadial half of extensor carpi radialis longus tendon as graft to elongate muscle tendon unit for correction of finger clawing.  a1914-70 v1113 a<p>In 12 patients, the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle tendon unit was elongated using the radial half of the parent tendon so that it could reach the site of new insertion, the A1-A2 pulley of flexor sheath or lateral bands, after routing the transfer through the carpal tunnel. The tendon was of appropriate thickness and could be split into two halves to be used as a graft. Further splitting of the tendon into four tails was possible. The transferred slips retained adequate strength to activate the fingers after the operation. It is suggested that splitting of the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon to use one half as a tendon graft be considered in patients in whom extensor carpi radialis longus transfer is planned to correct finger clawing. This technique is simple, needs minor modification in the sequence of operative steps, reduces operating time, and saves the patient from postoperative discomfort, muscle herniation, and scarring at the donor site (usually the thigh).</p>  a0032-1052