Reply to “Histological analysis of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus in cadavers with cervical ribs”

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 781-781
Author(s):  
James Brewin
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Histological Analysis ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Cervical Ribs

Histopathological basis for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Shane Tubbs ◽  
Robert G. Louis ◽  
Christopher T. Wartmann ◽  
Robert Lott ◽  
Gina D. Chua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Histopathological Changes ◽  
Histological Findings ◽  
Histological Changes ◽  
Cervical Rib ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Human Cadavers ◽  
Cervical Ribs

Object To the best of the authors' knowledge, no report exists that has demonstrated the histopathological changes of neural elements within the brachial plexus as a result of cervical rib compression. Methods Four hundred seventy-five consecutive human cadavers were evaluated for the presence of cervical ribs. From this cohort, 2 male specimens (0.42%) were identified that harbored cervical ribs. One of the cadavers was found to have bilateral cervical ribs and the other a single right cervical rib. Following gross observations of the brachial plexus and, specifically, the lower trunk and its relationship to these anomalous ribs, the lower trunks were submitted for immunohistochemical analysis. Specimens were compared with two age-matched controls that did not have cervical ribs. Results The compressed plexus trunks were largely unremarkable proximal to the areas of compression by cervical ribs, where they demonstrated epi- and perineurial fibrosis, vascular hyalinization, mucinous degeneration, and frequent intraneural collagenous nodules. These histological findings were not seen in the nerve specimens in control cadavers. The epineurium was thickened with intersecting fibrous bands, and the perineurium appeared fibrotic. Many of the blood vessels were hyalinized. The nerve fascicles contained frequent intraneural collagenous nodules in this area, and focal mucinous degeneration was identified. Conclusions Cervical ribs found incidentally may cause histological changes in the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. The clinician may wish to observe or perform further evaluation in such patients.

A rare variation in the formation of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus its embryological basis and clinical importance - a case report

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 49-52
Author(s):  
N Satyanarayana ◽  
R Guha ◽  
P Sunitha ◽  
GN Reddy ◽  
G Praveen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Rare Variation ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Male Cadaver ◽  
The Right

Brachial plexus is the plexus of nerves, that supplies the upper limb.Variations in the branches of brachial plexus are common but variations in the roots and trunks are very rare. Here, we report one of the such rare variations in the formations of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus in the right upper limb of a male cadaver. In the present case the lower trunk was formed by the union of ventral rami of C7,C8 and T1 nerve roots. The middle trunk was absent. Upper trunk formation was normal. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2011,Vol-6,No-4, 49-52 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v6i4.6727

Trends in Brachial Plexus Surgery: Characterizing Contemporary Practices for Exploration of Supraclavicular Plexus

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110146
Author(s):  
J. Ryan Hill ◽  
Steven T. Lanier ◽  
Liz Rolf ◽  
Aimee S. James ◽  
David M. Brogan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Technical Difficulty ◽  
Nerve Grafting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Case Vignettes ◽  
Distal Nerve

Background There is variability in treatment strategies for patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI). We used qualitative research methods to better understand surgeons’ rationale for treatment approaches. We hypothesized that distal nerve transfers would be preferred over exploration and nerve grafting of the brachial plexus. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with BPI surgeons to discuss 3 case vignettes: pan-plexus injury, upper trunk injury, and lower trunk injury. The interview guide included questions regarding overall treatment strategy, indications and utility of brachial plexus exploration, and the role of nerve grafting and/or nerve transfers. Interview transcripts were coded by 2 researchers. We performed inductive thematic analysis to collate these codes into themes, focusing on the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI. Results Most surgeons routinely explore the supraclavicular brachial plexus in situations of pan-plexus and upper trunk injuries. Reasons to explore included the importance of obtaining a definitive root level diagnosis, perceived availability of donor nerve roots, timing of anticipated recovery, plans for distal reconstruction, and the potential for neurolysis. Very few explore lower trunk injuries, citing concern with technical difficulty and unfavorable risk-benefit profile. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that supraclavicular exploration remains a foundational component of surgical management of BPI, despite increasing utilization of distal nerve transfers. Availability of abundant donor axons and establishing an accurate diagnosis were cited as primary reasons in support of exploration. This analysis of surgeon interviews characterizes contemporary practices regarding the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI.

Role of tacrolimus in return of hand function after brachial plexus injury in a lung transplantation patient

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. e233788
Author(s):  
Tiam M Saffari ◽  
Christopher J Arendt ◽  
Robert J Spinner ◽  
Alexander Y Shin
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Bilateral Lung Transplantation ◽  
Bilateral Lung ◽  
Transplantation Patient

We report a patient who has been on tacrolimus for bilateral lung transplantation and presented with a brachial plexus injury (BPI), with unusual improvement of lower trunk innervated hand function. The lower trunk injury with resultant left hand paralysis had developed after his sternotomy 18 months ago. He has been treated with tacrolimus as part of his immunosuppression protocol since the surgery, without severe side effects. Physical examination at 18 months demonstrated unusual excellent grip pattern and full opposition of his thumb with slight claw deformity of his ulnar two digits. While the neurotoxic effects of tacrolimus are more emphasised, the neuroregenerative properties have been recently explored. The recovery in this patient is unique and unusual after BPI and is most likely as a result of the low dose tacrolimus treatment.

Contralateral C7 Nerve Transfer with Direct Coaptation to Restore Lower Trunk Function After Traumatic Brachial Plexus Avulsion

2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (9) ◽  
pp. 821-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-feng Wang ◽  
Peng-cheng Li ◽  
Yun-hao Xue ◽  
Hon-wah Yiu ◽  
Yu-Cheng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Brachial Plexus Avulsion

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Dissection Of The Brachial Plexus:Cadaveric Study And Illustrative Case

2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-287-ONS-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad J. Morgan ◽  
Jefferson Lyons ◽  
Benjamin C. Ling ◽  
P. Colby Maher ◽  
Robert J. Bohinski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Thoracoscopic Surgery ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Video Assisted ◽  
First Rib ◽  
Soft Tissue Dissection ◽  
Tissue Dissection

Abstract Objective: Standard surgical approaches to the brachial plexus require an open operative technique with extensive soft tissue dissection. A transthoracic endoscopic approach using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was studied as an alternative direct operative corridor to the proximal inferior brachial plexus. Methods: VATS was used in cadaveric dissections to study the anatomic details of the brachial plexus at the thoracic apex. After placement of standard thoracoscopic ports, the thoracic apex was systematically dissected. The limitations of the VATS approach were defined before and after removal of the first rib. The technique was applied in a 22-year-old man with neurofibromatosis who presented with a large neurofibroma of the left T1 nerve root. Results: The cadaveric study demonstrated that VATS allowed for a direct cephalad approach to the inferior brachial plexus. The C8 and T1 nerve roots as well as the lower trunk of the brachial plexus were safely identified and dissected. Removal of the first rib provided exposure of the entire lower trunk and proximal divisions. After the fundamental steps to the dissection were identified, the patient underwent a successful gross total resection of a left T1 neurofibroma with VATS. Conclusion: VATS provided an alternative surgical corridor to the proximal inferior brachial plexus and obviated the need for the extensive soft tissue dissection associated with the anterior supraclavicular and posterior subscapular approaches.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document