Comparison Between Supraclavicular Versus Video-Assisted Intrathoracic Phrenic Nerve Section for Transfer in Patients With Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries: Case Series

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-254
Author(s):  
Mariano Socolovsky ◽  
Marcio de Mendonça Cardoso ◽  
Ana Lovaglio ◽  
Gilda di Masi ◽  
Gonzalo Bonilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Nerve Section ◽  
Video Assisted ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Flexion Strength

Abstract BACKGROUND The phrenic nerve has been extensively reported to be a very powerful source of transferable axons in brachial plexus injuries. The most used technique used is supraclavicular sectioning of this nerve. More recently, video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques have been reported as a good alternative, since harvesting a longer phrenic nerve avoids the need of an interposed graft. OBJECTIVE To compare grafting vs phrenic nerve transfer via thoracoscopy with respect to mean elbow strength at final follow-up. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted among patients who underwent phrenic nerve transfer for elbow flexion at 2 centers from 2008 to 2017. All data analysis was performed in order to determine statistical significance among the analyzed variables. RESULTS A total of 32 patients underwent supraclavicular phrenic nerve transfer, while 28 underwent phrenic nerve transfer via video-assisted thoracoscopy. Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. A statistically significant difference in elbow flexion strength recovery was observed, favoring the supraclavicular phrenic nerve section group against the intrathoracic group (P = .036). A moderate though nonsignificant difference was observed favoring the same group in mean elbow flexion strength. Also, statistical differences included patient age (P = .01) and earlier time from trauma to surgery (P = .069). CONCLUSION Comparing supraclavicular sectioning of the nerve vs video-assisted, intrathoracic nerve sectioning to restore elbow flexion showed that the former yielded statistically better results than the latter, in terms of the percentage of patients who achieve at least level 3 MRC strength at final follow-up. Furthermore, larger scale prospective studies assessing the long-term effects of phrenic nerve transfers remain necessary.

Feasibility of the Oberlin Procedure in Late Presentation Cases of C5-C6 and C5-C7 Brachial Plexus Injuries in Adults

Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472091832
Author(s):  
Álvaro B. Cho ◽  
Carlos H. V. Ferreira ◽  
Fernando Towata ◽  
Gabriel C. Almeida ◽  
Luiz Sorrenti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Late Presentation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B ◽  
Flexion Strength

Background: Oberlin et al presented a new technique for nerve transfer that completely changed the prognosis of patients with brachial plexus injury. Currently, most of the literature addresses cases submitted to early surgical intervention, before 12 months from injury, showing consistent good results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Oberlin procedure in late presentation cases (≥12 months), comparing the elbow flexion strength with patients operated earlier. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients with partial brachial plexus injuries submitted to the Oberlin procedure. They were divided into 2 groups. Group A included 39 patients operated with <12 months of injury. The mean postoperative follow-up was 22.53 months. The interval from injury to surgery varied from 4 to 11 months (±8.45 months). Group B included 10 patients with surgery ≥12 months after injury. The mean postoperative follow-up was 32 months. The interval from injury to surgery ranged from 12 to 19 months (±15.4 months). Patients were evaluated monthly after surgery and the elbow flexion strength was measured using the British Medical Research Council scale. Results: In Group A, 24 patients presented with either good (M3) or excellent (M4) elbow flexion strength. In Group B, 9 patients presented with either good (M3) or excellent (M4) elbow flexion strength. A significant difference was not seen in the postoperative elbow flexion strength among the 2 groups. Conclusion: Biceps reinnervation with the Oberlin procedure is still feasible and should be attempted after more than 12 months of injury in partial brachial plexus injuries.

Minimum Ten-Year Outcomes of Partial Ulnar Nerve Transfer for Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Patients with Upper Brachial Plexus Injury

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. 283-288
Author(s):  
Yusuke Nagano ◽  
Daisuke Kawamura ◽  
Alaa Terkawi ◽  
Atsushi Urita ◽  
Yuichiro Matsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Flexion Strength

Background: Partial ulnar nerve transfer to the biceps motor branch of the musculocutaneous nerve (Oberlin’s transfer) is a successful approach to restore elbow flexion in patients with upper brachial plexus injury (BPI). However, there is no report on more than 10 years subjective and objective outcomes. The purpose of this study was to clarify the long-term outcomes of Oberlin’s transfer based on the objective evaluation of elbow flexion strength and subjective functional evaluation of patients. Methods: Six patients with BPI who underwent Oberlin’s transfer were reviewed retrospectively by their medical records. The mean age at surgery was 29.5 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 13 years. The objective functional outcomes were evaluated by biceps muscle strength using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grade at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up. The patient-derived subjective functional outcomes were evaluated using the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire at final follow-up. Results: All patients had MRC grade 0 (M0) or 1 (M1) elbow flexion strength before operation. Four patients gained M4 postoperatively and maintained or increased muscle strength at the final follow-up. One patient gained M3 postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Although one patient achieved M4 postoperatively, the strength was reduced to M2 due to additional disorder. The mean score of QuickDASH was 36.5 (range, 7–71). Patients were divided into two groups; three patients had lower scores and the other three patients had higher scores of QuickDASH. Conclusions: Oberlin’s transfer is effective in the restoration of elbow flexion and can maintain the strength for more than 10 years. Patients with upper BPI with restored elbow flexion strength and no complicated nerve disorders have over ten-year subjective satisfaction.

Double fascicular nerve transfer to the biceps and brachialis muscles after brachial plexus injury: clinical outcomes in a series of 29 cases

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 1520-1528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Z. Ray ◽  
Mitchell A. Pet ◽  
Andrew Yee ◽  
Susan E. Mackinnon
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Flexion Strength

Object The clinical outcomes of patients with brachial plexus injuries who underwent double fascicular transfer (DFT) using fascicles from the median and ulnar nerves to reinnervate the biceps and brachialis muscles were evaluated. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 29 patients with brachial plexus injuries that were treated with DFT for restoration of elbow flexion. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation using the Medical Research Council grading system. Results The mean patient age was 37 years (range 17–68 years), and there was a mean follow-up of 19 ± 12 months (range 8–68 months). At the most recent follow-up, all but 1 patient (97%) had regained elbow flexion. Eight patients recovered Grade M5, 15 patients recovered Grade M4, and 4 patients recovered Grade M3 elbow flexion strength. There was no evidence of functional deficit in the donor nerve distributions. Conclusions Study results demonstrated the reliable restoration of M4–M5 elbow flexion following double fascicular transfer in patients with brachial plexus injuries.

Elbow flexion strength and contractile activity after partial ulnar nerve or intercostal nerve transfers for brachial plexus injuries

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 818-826
Author(s):  
Dawn Sinn Yii Chia ◽  
Kazuteru Doi ◽  
Yasunori Hattori ◽  
Sotetsu Sakamoto
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Contractile Activity ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Intercostal Nerve ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Forearm Muscles ◽  
Flexion Strength

We compared the outcomes of 23 partial ulnar nerve and 15 intercostal nerve transfers for elbow flexion reconstruction in patients with C56 or C567 brachial plexus injuries using manual muscle power, dynamometric measurements of elbow flexion strength and electromyography. The range of elbow flexion and muscle strength recovery to Grade 3 or 4 were comparable between the two groups. The patients with C567 injuries had significantly stronger eccentric contraction after the partial ulnar nerve transfer than after the intercostal nerve transfer ( p < 0.05). Electromyography of individual muscles demonstrated that the patients with partial ulnar nerve transfers were unable to voluntarily isolate biceps contraction and recruited forearm flexors and extensors. The patients after partial ulnar nerve transfer had significantly more activity of the forearm muscles during concentric elbow flexion than after intercostal nerve transfers ( p < 0.05). We conclude that partial ulnar nerve transfers were superior to intercostal nerve transfers when assessed quantitatively with the dynamometer to evaluate elbow flexion, although simultaneous recruitment of forearm muscles may have contributed to the increased elbow flexion strength in the patients with the partial ulnar nerve transfer. Level of evidence: III

Long-term Observation of Respiratory Function After Unilateral Phrenic Nerve and Multiple Intercostal Nerve Transfer for Avulsed Brachial Plexus Injury

Neurosurgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 796-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mou-Xiong Zheng ◽  
Yan-Qun Qiu ◽  
Wen-Dong Xu ◽  
Jian-Guang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Respiratory Function ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Intercostal Nerve ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Intercostal Nerves

Abstract BACKGROUND: Phrenic nerve transfer (PNT) or multiple intercostal nerve transfer (MIT) alone are reported to have no significant impact on pulmonary function in the short or medium term, but it has rarely been reported whether the combination of PNT-MIT could influence respiratory function in the long term. OBJECTIVE: Respiratory function was evaluated after PNT and PNT-MIT 7 to 19 years (mean, 10 years) postoperatively. METHODS: Twenty-three adult patients with brachial plexus avulsion injuries who underwent PNT-MIT were compared with 19 corresponding patients who underwent PNT. Pulmonary function testings, phrenic nerve conduction study, and chest fluoroscopy were performed. In the PNT-MIT group, further investigation was performed on the effect of the number of transferred intercostal nerves and the timing of MIT. RESULTS: In the PNT-MIT group, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and total lung capacity were 73.69%, 72.04%, and 74.81% of predicted values without significant differences from the PNT group. Diaphragmatic paralysis permanently existed with 1 to 1.5 intercostal spaces (ICSs) elevation and near 1 ICS reduced excursion. There was no statistical difference between the PNT and PNT-MIT groups. Furthermore, 3 and 4 intercostal nerves transferred resulted in no further decrease in pulmonary function test results than 2 intercostal nerves. No significant difference was found when PNT and MIT were performed at the same stage or with an interval. CONCLUSION: PNT-MIT did not result in additional impairment in respiratory function in adult patients compared with PNT alone. It is safe to transfer 2 to 4 intercostal nerves at 1 to 2 months delay after PNT.

The Outcome of Biofeedback Muscle Re-Education after Brachial Plexus Reconstruction: a Case Series

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Lydia Arfianti ◽  
Ratna Darjanti Haryadi
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Surgical Reconstruction ◽  
Muscle Transfer ◽  
Functional Muscle Transfer

The purpose of this report was to evaluate the outcome of biofeedback muscle re-education after brachial plexus reconstruction. A case series was conducted based on registry data of Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic. A total of 20 subjects underwent surgical reconstruction to restore elbow flexion in the period of 2012-2014 were included in the study. All 20 subjects received biofeedback muscle re-education until end June 2015 (data extraction). Oucome measures were time to recovery (months) after surgical reconstruction and patients’ compliance. Recovery is considered when muscle contraction of biceps (nerve transfer) and gracilis (free functional muscle transfer/ FFMT) are ≥ 100μV, recorded using EMG-surface electrode. Of 4 subjects underwent nerve transfer, all showed recovery with median time of 9 months. Of 16 subjects underwent FFMT, 5 showed recovery with median time of 9 months. The majority of subjects in both groups could comply with once in 2 weeks rehabilitation program.

scholarly journals Pronator Quadratus to Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Nerve Transfer in C5–C7 or C5–C8 Brachial Plexus Injuries for Independent Wrist Extension

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (01) ◽  
pp. 036-041
Author(s):  
Anil Bhatia ◽  
Mahmoud Salama
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Wrist Extension ◽  
Pronator Quadratus ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Nerve Surgery ◽  
Extensor Carpi Radialis

Abstract Background Patients with lesions affecting C7 and C8 roots (in addition to C56) demonstrate loss of independent wrist dorsiflexion in addition to loss of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. Traditionally, this deficit has been addressed using tendon transfers after useful function at the shoulder and elbow has been restored by primary nerve surgery. Confidence with nerve transfer techniques has prompted attempts to replace this method by incorporating procedures for wrist dorsiflexion in the primary operation itself. Aim The objective of this study was to report the results of pronator quadratus motor branch transfers to the extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch to reconstruct wrist extension in C5–C8 root lesions of the brachial plexus. Patients and Methods Twenty-three patients, average age 30 years, with C5–8 root injuries underwent operations an average of 4.7 months after their accident. Extrinsic extension of the fingers and thumb was weak or absent in two cases while the remaining 18 patients could open their hand actively. The patients lacked independent wrist extension when they were examined with the fingers flexed as the compensatory action of the extrinsic finger extensors was removed. The average follow-up was 21 months postoperative with the minimal follow-up period was at least 12 months. Results Successful reinnervations of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) were demonstrated in all patients. In 17 patients, wrist extension scored M4, and in 3 patients it scored M3. Conclusions The pronator quadratus (PQ) to ECRB nerve transfer in C5–C7 or C5–C8 brachial plexus injuries for independent wrist extension reconstruction gives consistently good results with minimal donor morbidity.

Harmonic Scalpel in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Thymic Resections

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 366-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia-Lin Soon ◽  
Thirugnanam Agasthian
Keyword(s):  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Tumor Size ◽  
Chest Tube ◽  
Harmonic Scalpel ◽  
Video Assisted ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Phrenic Nerves

Video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy is safe, but the efficacy of this technique in thymomectomy is unproved. Data of 103 consecutive patients who had thoracoscopic thymectomy and thymomectomy between 1998 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Conventional monopolar diathermy and endoscopic Liga clips were used in the first 50 patients, and the Harmonic Scalpel was employed in the next 53. Only mean tumor size differed between groups (56.6 ± 18.2 vs 40.0 ± 20.8 mm in Harmonic Scalpel group). A similar number of patients had myasthenia gravis in the first group (72%) and Harmonic Scalpel group (83%). There were 49 thymomas (22 in first group, 27 in Harmonic Scalpel group). Of the earlier patients, 2 were re-explored for excessive chest tube drainage, 1 had ipsilateral phrenic nerve injury, and 2 had left phrenic nerves sacrificed intraoperatively due to thymoma invasion, but there was no significant difference in complications between groups. At a mean follow-up of 3.40 ± 2.38 years (range, 0.04–8.52 years), there was 1 thymoma recurrence in the first group. Use of the Harmonic Scalpel in video-assisted thoracoscopic thymic resection is safe and confers some advantages over conventional methods of dissection.

Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Traumatic Upper Brachial Plexus Palsy in Adults: Outcome with Intraplexus Distal Nerve Transfers in 78 Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (04) ◽  
pp. 285-290
Author(s):  
Mario Siqueira ◽  
Roberto Martins ◽  
Wilson Faglioni Junior ◽  
Luciano Foroni ◽  
Carlos Heise
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Distal Nerve

Objective To present the functional outcomes of distal nerve transfer techniques for restoration of elbow flexion after upper brachial plexus injury. Method The files of 78 adult patients with C5, C6, ± C7 lesions were reviewed. The attempt to restore elbow flexion was made by intraplexus distal nerve transfers using a fascicle of the ulnar nerve (group A, n = 43), or a fascicle of the median nerve (group B, n = 16) or a combination of both (group C, n = 19). The result of the treatment was defined based on the British Medical Research Council grading system: muscle strength < M3 was considered a poor result. Results The global incidence of good/excellent results with these nerve transfers was 80.7%, and for different surgical techniques (groups A, B, C), it was 86%, 56.2% and 100% respectively. Patients submitted to ulnar nerve transfer or double transfer (ulnar + median fascicles transfer) had a better outcome than those submitted to median nerve transfer alone (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the outcome of ulnar transfer and double transfer. Conclusion In cases of traumatic injury of the upper brachial plexus, good and excelent results in the restoration of elbow flexion can be obtained using distal nerve transfers.

Transfer of Pectoral Nerves to the Musculocutaneous Nerve in Obstetric Upper Brachial Plexus Palsy

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 338-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Blaauw ◽  
Albert C.J. Slooff
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Nerve Endings ◽  
Nerve Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Pectoral Nerve

Abstract OBJECTIVE To investigate the results of transfer of pectoral nerves to the musculocutaneous nerve for treatment of obstetric brachial palsy. METHODS In 25 cases of obstetric brachial palsy (20 after breech deliveries), branches of the pectoral nerve plexus were transferred directly to the musculocutaneous nerve. For all patients, the nerve transfer was part of an extended brachial plexus reconstruction. Results were tested both clinically and with the Mallet scale, at a mean follow-up time of 70 months (standard deviation, 34.3 mo). RESULTS There were two complete failures, which were attributable to disconnection of the transferred nerve endings. The results after transfer were excellent in 17 cases and fair in 5 cases. Steindler flexorplasty improved elbow flexion for three patients. CONCLUSION Transfer of pectoral nerves to the musculocutaneous nerve for treatment of obstetric upper brachial palsy may be effective, if the specific anatomic features of the pectoral nerve plexus are sufficiently appreciated.

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