Clinical efficacy of parathyroid autotransplantation into the forearm muscle in thyroid surgery: a retrospective cohort study on functional restoration

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of autologous parathyroid transplantation into the forearm brachioradialis muscle during thyroid surgery and analyze the timing of graft function recovery. Methods: A total of 52 patients undergoing thyroid surgery with autologous parathyroid transplantation were selected. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured at various postoperative intervals, and instances of hypoparathyroidism were recorded. Results: Postoperative PTH levels on the transplant side were significantly higher than on the non-transplant side from week 1 to 1 year. Effective graft rates were 1.9% on day 1, 40.4% at week 1, 84.6% at 1 month, and stabilized at around 73% after 1 year. Transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in 17.3% of patients, with no permanent cases. Conclusion: Autologous parathyroid transplantation into the forearm brachioradialis muscle effectively preserves parathyroid function, with grafts regaining optimal function within 2-3 months and the graft still having good secretory function 1 year after surgery.