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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Nerve Transfers for Restoring Elbow Flexion in Brachial Plexus Palsy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teodor Stamate ◽  
Dan Cristian Moraru
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Distal Stump ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Pectoral Nerve ◽  
Intercostal Nerves ◽  
Thoracodorsal Nerve

Nerve transfers (NT) consist in sectioning a donor nerve and connecting it to the distal stump of a recipient unrepairable nerve. For elbow flexion restoration in brachial plexus palsy (BPP) we used different NT: 1) GF motor Ulnar Nerve to Biceps nerve (Oberlin technique), 2) Double fascicular median/ulnar to biceps/brachialis nerve transfer (Mackinnon), 3) InterCostal Nerves (ICN) to MCN (+/− nerve graft), 4) Medial Pectoral Nerve (MPN) to MCN, 5) ThoracoDorsal Nerve (TDN) to MCN, 6) Spinal Accessory Nerve (SAN) to MCN transfer, 7) Phrenic Nerve (PhN) to MCN, 8) Cervical Plexus C3-C4 to MCN and 9) Contralateral C7 (CC7). I want to present my personal experience using the phrenic nerve (PhN), the intercostal nerves (ICN) and Oberlin’s technique. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results of this procedure in BPP. NT is an important goal in BPP. ICN transfer into the nerve of biceps for elbow flexion recovery is a reliable procedure in BPP. ICN transfer for triceps offers a positive alternative (Carroll transposition). Oberlin technique is simple and offers better results in a shorter amount of time and is an effective and safe option.

Surgical outcome of phrenic nerve transfer to the anterior division of the upper trunk in treating brachial plexus avulsion

2010 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 383-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Dong ◽  
Cheng-Gang Zhang ◽  
Yu-Dong Gu
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Simple Procedure ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Surgical Trauma ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Anterior Division ◽  
Grade 3

Object The purpose of this investigation was to study the surgical results of phrenic nerve transfer to the anterior division of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. Methods Between 2002 and 2005, 40 patients received a phrenic nerve transfer to the anterior division of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to restore elbow flexion. These cases were followed postoperatively for > 2 years, and the efficacy of the surgery and related factors were evaluated. Results The overall effective rate of this procedure was 82.5% (Medical Research Council Grade ≥ 3). The results show that for patients with surgical delay of > 1 year or prolongation of the latency of the preoperative phrenic nerve evoked potential > 20%, the recovery rates were 25 and 50%, respectively. Conclusions Phrenic nerve transfer to the anterior division of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus is a simple procedure that causes minor surgical trauma and yields good recovery of elbow flexion. It is suitable in patients with a relatively intact structure at the division level of the brachial plexus.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document