Results of Phrenic Nerve Transfer to the Musculocutaneous Nerve Using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy in Patients with Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: Series of 28 Cases

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcio de Mendonça Cardoso ◽  
Ricardo de Amoreira Gepp ◽  
Eduardo Mamare ◽  
José Fernando Guedes-Correa
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Operative Technique ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Video Assisted

Abstract BACKGROUND The phrenic nerve can be transferred to the musculocutaneous nerve using video-assisted thoracoscopy, aiming at the recovery of elbow flexion in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. There are few scientific papers in the literature that evaluate the results of this operative technique. OBJECTIVE To evaluate biceps strength and pulmonary function after the transfer of the phrenic nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve using video-assisted thoracoscopy. METHODS A retrospective study was carried out in a sample composed of 28 patients who were victims of traumatic injury to the brachial plexus from 2008 to 2013. Muscle strength was graded using the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) scale and pulmonary function through spirometry. Statistical tests, with significance level of 5%, were used. RESULTS In total, 74.1% of the patients had biceps strength greater than or equal to M3. All patients had a decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, with no evidence of recovery over time. CONCLUSION Transferring the phrenic nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve using video-assisted thoracoscopy may lead to an increase in biceps strength to BMRC M3 or greater in most patients. Considering the deterioration in the parameters of spirometry observed in our patients and the future effects of aging in the respiratory system, it is not possible at the moment to guarantee the safety of this operative technique in the long term.

Pulmonary and Biceps Function after Intercostal and Phrenic Nerve Transfer for Brachial Plexus Injuries

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. CHALIDAPONG ◽  
K. SANANPANICH ◽  
J. KRAISARIN ◽  
C. BUMROONGKIT
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Intercostal Nerve ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Motor Recovery ◽  
Transfer Group

This pseudo-randomized study was performed to compare the pulmonary function and biceps recovery after intercostal (19 cases) and phrenic (17 cases) nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve for brachial plexus injury patients with nerve root avulsions. Pulmonary function was assessed pre-operatively and postoperatively by measuring the forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, vital capacity, and tidal volume. Motor recovery of biceps was serially recorded. Our results revealed that pulmonary function in the phrenic nerve transfer group was still significantly reduced 1 year after surgery. In the intercostal nerve transfer group, pulmonary function was normal after 3 months. Motor recovery of biceps in the intercostal nerve group was significantly earlier than that in phrenic nerve group. We conclude that pulmonary and biceps functions are better after intercostal nerve transfer than after phrenic nerve transfer in the short term at least.

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.

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.

Brachial plexus neurotization with donor phrenic nerves and its effect on pulmonary function

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolf Luedemann ◽  
Michael Hamm ◽  
Ulrike Blömer ◽  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Marcos Tatagiba
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Parameters ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
The Right ◽  
Fine Print

Object. To examine possible side effects of neurotizations in which the phrenic nerve was used, pulmonary function was analyzed pre- and postoperatively in patients with brachial plexus injury and root avulsions. Methods. Twenty-three patients with complete brachial plexus palsy underwent neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve, with the phrenic nerve as donor material. Patients who suffered lung contusions as part of the primary injury were excluded from this study. In 12 patients (five left-sided and seven right-sided neurotizations) pre- and postoperative functional parameters were compared and additional body plethysmography was performed more than 12 months postsurgery. Of the 23, no patient experienced pulmonary problems postoperatively. Nonetheless, pulmonary functional parameters showed a vital capacity in percent of the predicted value of 9.8 ± 6.3% (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) in all patients examined, which was a significant reduction (p = 0.0002). In right-sided phrenic nerve transfers this reduction was significant, at 14.3 ± 3.3% (mean ± SD), whereas left-sided transfers showed a nonsignificant reduction of 3.6 ± 3.5% (mean ± SD). The observed decrease in vital capacity (VC) correlates with the maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax) as an indication of clinical significance. Conclusions. When the right phrenic nerve is used as a donor in neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve, the patient incurs a higher risk of reduced pulmonary VC. If possible, the left phrenic nerve should be preferred. The Pimax has to be determined preoperatively to avoid any further decrease in the already reduced pulmonary function due to the initial injury.

PHRENIC NERVE TRANSFER IN THE RESTORATION OF ELBOW FLEXION IN BRACHIAL PLEXUS AVULSION INJURIES

Neurosurgery ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 65 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. A125-A131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario G. Siqueira ◽  
Roberto S. Martins
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Major Complication ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Surgical Reconstruction ◽  
Small Series ◽  
The Mean

Abstract OBJECTIVE Phrenic nerve transfer has been used for treating lesions of the brachial plexus since 1970. Although, today, surgeons are more experienced with the technique, there are still widespread concerns about its effects on pulmonary function. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this procedure. METHODS Fourteen patients with complete palsy of the upper limb were submitted to phrenic nerve transfer as part of a strategy for surgical reconstruction of their plexuses. Two patients were lost to follow-up, and 2 patients were followed for less than 2 years. Of the remaining 10 patients, 9 (90%) were male. The lesions affected both sides equally. The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years (range, 14–43 years), and the mean interval from injury to surgery was 6 months (range, 3–9 months). The phrenic nerve was always transferred to the musculocutaneous nerve, and a nerve graft (mean length, 8 cm; range, 4.5–12 cm) was necessary in all cases. RESULTS There was no major complication related to the surgery. Seven patients (70%) recovered functional level biceps strength (Medical Research Council grade ≥3). All of the patients exhibited a transient decrease in pulmonary function tests, but without clinical respiratory problems. CONCLUSION On the basis of our small series and data from the literature, we conclude that phrenic nerve transfer in well-selected patients is a safe and effective procedure for recovering biceps function.

Cortical Reorganization in Dual Innervation by Single Peripheral Nerve

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 819-826
Author(s):  
Mou-Xiong Zheng ◽  
Yun-Dong Shen ◽  
Xu-Yun Hua ◽  
Ao-Lin Hou ◽  
Yi Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Behavioral Observation ◽  
Cortical Reorganization ◽  
Side Group ◽  
Motor Representation ◽  
End To End ◽  
End Group

Abstract BACKGROUND Functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury and repair is related with cortical reorganization. However, the mechanism of innervating dual targets by 1 donor nerve is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the cortical reorganization when the phrenic nerve simultaneously innervates the diaphragm and biceps. METHODS Total brachial plexus (C5-T1) injury rats were repaired by phrenic nerve–musculocutaneous nerve transfer with end-to-side (n = 15) or end-to-end (n = 15) neurorrhaphy. Brachial plexus avulsion (n = 5) and sham surgery (n = 5) rats were included for control. Behavioral observation, electromyography, and histologic studies were used for confirming peripheral nerve reinnervation. Cortical representations of the diaphragm and reinnervated biceps were studied by intracortical microstimulation techniques before and at months 0.5, 3, 5, 7, and 10 after surgery. RESULTS At month 0.5 after complete brachial plexus injury, the motor representation of the injured forelimb disappeared. The diaphragm representation was preserved in the “end-to-side” group but absent in the “end-to-end” group. Rhythmic contraction of biceps appeared in “end-to-end” and “end-to-side” groups, and the biceps representation reappeared in the original biceps and diaphragm areas at months 3 and 5. At month 10, it was completely located in the original biceps area in the “end-to-end” group. Part of the biceps representation remained in the original diaphragm area in the “end-to-side” group. Destroying the contralateral motor cortex did not eliminate respiration-related contraction of biceps. CONCLUSION The brain tends to resume biceps representation from the original diaphragm area to the original biceps area following phrenic nerve transfer. The original diaphragm area partly preserves reinnervated biceps representation after end-to-side transfer.

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