Abstract Six children between 7–16 years of age presented with flail shoulder and elbow
caused by poliomyelitis. Shoulder fusion was followed by free-functioning gracilis
transplantation to replace the atrophied biceps muscle. The transplanted muscle was
reinnervated by either the spinal accessory or phrenic nerve. Follow-up averaged 44 months
(range, 56–23 months). All cases developed at least grade 3 power of elbow flexion and
were able to place their hands to their mouths. Five out of 6 cases were able to flex their ...