Modified Bunnell-Sutherland Technique for Low Ulnar Nerve Injury
I cannot provide a description of the modified Bunnell-Sutherland technique based on the evidence provided, as none of the studies or guidelines address this specific surgical repair method.
What the Evidence Actually Addresses
The provided literature focuses on entirely different topics:
- Spinal cord injury treatments including minocycline, fibroblast growth factor, and functional electrical stimulation 1
- Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures and their pinning techniques 1
- Perioperative positioning to prevent peripheral nerve injuries during anesthesia 1
- Ulnar nerve compression/entrapment (cubital tunnel syndrome) with conservative management strategies 2, 3, 4
- Alternative nerve repair techniques such as end-to-side neurorrhaphy and nerve transfers for severe nerve injuries 5, 6, 7, 8
What Is Missing
The modified Bunnell-Sutherland technique is a specific tendon transfer procedure (not a nerve repair) traditionally used to restore finger flexion in ulnar nerve palsy by transferring the flexor digitorum superficialis tendons. None of the provided evidence discusses:
- Tendon transfer surgical techniques
- The Bunnell or Sutherland procedures specifically
- Surgical management of established ulnar nerve palsy requiring tendon transfers
- Rehabilitation protocols for tendon transfers
Clinical Context
The evidence provided addresses nerve compression management 2, 3, 4 and experimental nerve repair techniques 5, 6, 7, 8, but the Bunnell-Sutherland technique is performed for chronic ulnar nerve palsy where nerve repair has failed or is not possible, requiring tendon transfers to restore hand function—a completely different clinical scenario not covered in these studies.