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.

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.

Functioning Free Muscle Transfer for Brachial Plexus Injury: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis Comparing Functional Outcomes of Intercostal Nerve and Spinal Accessory Nerve Grafts

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (08) ◽  
pp. 567-571
Author(s):  
Jeremie D. Oliver ◽  
Chase Beal ◽  
Emily M. Graham ◽  
Katherine B. Santosa ◽  
Michael S. Hu
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Intercostal Nerve ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to compare postoperative elbow flexion outcomes in patients receiving functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT) innervated by either intercostal nerve (ICN) or spinal accessory nerve (SAN) grafts. Methods A comprehensive systematic review on FFMT for brachial plexus reconstruction was conducted utilizing Medline/PubMed database. Analysis was designed to compare functional outcomes between (1) nerve graft type (ICN vs. SAN) and (2) different free muscle graft types to biceps tendon (gracilis vs. rectus femoris vs. latissimus dorsi). Results A total of 312 FFMTs innervated by ICNs (169) or the SAN (143) are featured in 10 case series. The mean patient age was 28 years. Patients had a mean injury to surgery time of 31.5 months and an average follow-up time of 39.1 months with 18 patients lost to follow-up. Muscles utilized included the gracilis (275), rectus femoris (28), and latissimus dorsi (8). After excluding those lost to follow-up or failures due to vascular compromise, the mean success rates of FFMTs innervated by ICNs and SAN were 64.1 and 65.4%, respectively. Conclusion This analysis did not identify any difference in outcomes between FFMTs via ICN grafts and those innervated by SAN grafts in restoring elbow flexion in traumatic brachial plexus injury patients.

Analysis of human acellular nerve allograft combined with contralateral C7 nerve root transfer for restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion in brachial plexus injury: a mean 4-year follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 1914-1924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Li ◽  
Jiantao Yang ◽  
Bengang Qin ◽  
Honggang Wang ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Allograft Reconstruction ◽  
Acellular Nerve Allograft ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Monofilament Test

OBJECTIVEHuman acellular nerve allograft applications have increased in clinical practice, but no studies have quantified their influence on reconstruction outcomes for high-level, greater, and mixed nerves, especially the brachial plexus. The authors investigated the functional outcomes of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction for nerve gaps in patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI) undergoing contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve root transfer to innervate the upper trunk, and they determined the independent predictors of recovery in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion.METHODSForty-five patients with partial or total BPI were eligible for this retrospective study after CC7 nerve root transfer to the upper trunk using human acellular nerve allografts. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength, degree of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and static two-point discrimination (S2PD) were examined according to the modified British Medical Research Council (mBMRC) scoring system, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) were scored to establish the function of the affected upper limb. Meaningful recovery was defined as grades of M3–M5 or S3–S4 based on the scoring system. Subgroup analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.RESULTSThe mean follow-up duration and the mean human acellular nerve allograft length were 48.1 ± 10.1 months and 30.9 ± 5.9 mm, respectively. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength was grade M4 or M3 in 71.1% and 60.0% of patients. Patients in the following groups achieved a higher rate of meaningful recovery in deltoid and biceps strength, as well as lower DASH scores (p < 0.01): age < 20 years and age 20–29 years; allograft lengths ≤ 30 mm; and patients in whom the interval between injury and surgery was < 90 days. The meaningful sensory recovery rate was approximately 70% in the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and S2PD. According to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length significantly influenced functional outcomes.CONCLUSIONSHuman acellular nerve allografts offered safe reconstruction for 20- to 50-mm nerve gaps in procedures for CC7 nerve root transfer to repair the upper trunk after BPI. The group in which allograft lengths were ≤ 30 mm achieved better functional outcome than others, and the recommended length of allograft in this procedure was less than 30 mm. Age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length were independent predictors of functional outcomes after human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.

Nerve transfers to the biceps and brachialis branches to improve elbow flexion strength after brachial plexus injuries

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 313-318
Author(s):  
Thomas H. Tung ◽  
Christine B. Novak ◽  
Susan E. Mackinnon
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Brachialis Muscle ◽  
Nerve Fascicle ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Flexion Strength

Object In this study the authors evaluated the outcome in patients with brachial plexus injuries who underwent nerve transfers to the biceps and the brachialis branches of the musculocutaneous nerve. Methods The charts of eight patients who underwent an ulnar nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps branch of the musculocutaneous nerve and a separate transfer to the brachialis branch were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was assessed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grade to classify elbow flexion strength in conjunction with electromyography (EMG). The mean patient age was 26.4 years (range 16–45 years) and the mean time from injury to surgery was 3.8 months (range 2.5–7.5 months). Recovery of elbow flexion was MRC Grade 4 in five patients, and Grade 4+in three. Reinnervation of both the biceps and brachialis muscles was confirmed on EMG studies. Ulnar nerve function was not downgraded in any patient. Conclusions The use of nerve transfers to reinnervate the biceps and brachialis muscle provides excellent elbow flexion strength in patients with brachial plexus nerve injuries.

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.

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

Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries: Late functional results of the Steindler procedure

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 868-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gilbert ◽  
S. Valbuena ◽  
C. Posso
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Extensor Lag

We reviewed late functional results of a modified Steindler procedure in patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy and poor active elbow flexion. From 1982 to 2005, we reviewed final functional results and complications of 27 cases with flexion weakness of the elbow secondary to obstetrical brachial plexus injury, treated with a modified Steindler procedure. At the end of the follow-up, the mean active elbow flexion was 97° and the mean extensor lag was 10°. In the long-term follow-up, the modified Steindler procedure maintained good results in 67% of the cases in our series, and this percentage raised by 82% when the wrist extensor was present or restored before the Steindler procedure. There were poor results in 19% of the patients, but no major complications.

A Prospective Study Comparing Single and Double Fascicular Transfer to Restore Elbow Flexion After Brachial Plexus Injury

Neurosurgery ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 709-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Sergio Martins ◽  
Mario Gilberto Siqueira ◽  
Carlos Otto Heise ◽  
Luciano Foroni ◽  
Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Muscle Reinnervation ◽  
Double Muscle ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Push And Pull ◽  
Flexion Strength

Abstract BACKGROUND: The recovery of elbow flexion in upper brachial plexus injury can be achieved by the reinnervation of the biceps muscle (single reinnervation), but concomitant restoration of brachialis and biceps function (double reinnervation) has been recommended to improve elbow flexion strength. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare morbidity and outcomes of single or double muscle reinnervation in restoring elbow flexion following incomplete injury to the brachial plexus. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients were prospectively submitted to single or double muscle reinnervation. Elbow flexion strength was evaluated with a push-and-pull dynamometer 12 months after surgery. Hand morbidity related to the procedures was evaluated by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments test, quantification of static 2-point discrimination, and measurements of handgrip and lateral pinch strength in serial evaluations up to the final follow-up. RESULTS: Similar results for the strength of elbow flexion were observed in both groups. A worsening of sensibility, measured by using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, was identified in 8 patients, all of whom showed recovery during follow-up. No worsening of 2-point discrimination was observed. A decrease in handgrip and lateral pinch strength was identified in 8 and 9 patients, respectively, which improved during follow-up. There was no difference between the groups in the incidence of hand motor morbidity parameters. CONCLUSION: The strength of elbow flexion did not differ significantly between the groups treated with single or double muscle reinnervation. Deterioration of handgrip, lateral pinch strength, and sensibility measured by using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, was temporary, resulting in low morbidity for both techniques.

Transfer of a Single Fascicle from the Ulnar Nerve to the Biceps Muscle after Avulsions of Upper Roots of the Brachial Plexus

2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. SUNGPET ◽  
C. SUPHACHATWONG ◽  
V. KAWINWONGGOWIT ◽  
A. PATRADUL
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Pinch Strength ◽  
Biceps Muscle ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Better Than

Thirty-six patients with avulsions of upper roots of the brachial plexus underwent transfer of a single fascicle from the ulnar nerve to the proximal motor branch of the biceps muscle to restore elbow flexion. The mean period of follow-up was 22 months. The average reinnervation time for the biceps muscle was 3.3 months. Thirty-four patients achieved biceps strength of Medical Research Council grade 3 or better. The operative results in the patients with C5, C6 avulsions were better than those with C5, C6, C7 avulsions. At the last follow-up examination, grip strength, pinch strength, moving two-point discrimination and the strength of flexion of the wrist on the affected side was not worse than before surgery in any patient.

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