Use of intercostal nerves for neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve in infants with birth-related brachial plexus palsy

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidehiko Kawabata ◽  
Toru Shibata ◽  
Yoshito Matsui ◽  
Natsuo Yasui
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Biceps Muscle ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Age At Surgery ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Intercostal Nerves ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The use of intercostal nerves (ICNs) for the neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) in adult patients with traumatic brachial plexus palsy has been well described. However, its use for brachial plexus palsy in infants has rarely been reported. The authors surgically created 31 ICN—MCN communications for birth-related brachial plexus palsy and present the surgical results. Methods. Thirty-one neurotizations of the MCN, performed using ICNs, were conducted in 30 patients with birth-related brachial plexus palsy. In most cases other procedures were combined to reconstruct all upper-extremity function. The mean patient age at surgery was 5.8 months and the mean follow-up period was 5.2 years. Intercostal nerves were transected 1 cm distal to the mammary line and their stumps were transferred to the axilla, where they were coapted directly to the MCN. Two ICNs were used in 26 cases and three ICNs in five cases. The power of the biceps muscle of the arm was rated Grade M4 in 26 (84%) of 31 patients. In the 12 patients who underwent surgery when they were younger than 5 months of age, all exhibited a grade of M4 (100%) in their biceps muscle power. These results are better than those previously reported in adults. Conclusions. Neurotization of the MCN by surgically connecting ICNs is a safe, reliable, and effective procedure for reconstruction of the brachial plexus in patients suffering from birth-related palsy.

Evaluation of intercostal to musculocutaneous nerve transfer in reconstructive brachial plexus surgery

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn J. A. Malessy ◽  
Ralph T. W. M. Thomeer
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Accessory Nerve ◽  
Reconstructive Procedure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intercostal Nerves ◽  
Brachial Plexus Surgery ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Direct coaptation of intercostal nerves (ICNs) to the musculocutaneous (MC) nerve was performed to restore elbow flexion in 25 patients with brachial plexus root avulsions. Methods. Seventy-five ICNs were transected as close as possible to the sternum to obtain sufficient length and then tunneled to the axilla and coapted to the MC nerve. Direct coaptation was achieved in 95% of ICNs, and functional elbow flexion was regained in 64% of the patients. The results were compared with several reported transfer techniques in which either an ICN or other donor nerves were used. Conclusions. Direct coaptation was equally effective and more straightforward than transfers involving interposition of grafts. The use of alternative donors such as the accessory nerve carries inherent disadvantages compared with the use of ICNs, and the results are not substantially better. Direct ICN—MC nerve transfer is a valuable reconstructive procedure.

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

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas H. Tung ◽  
Christine B. Novak ◽  
Susan E. Mackinnon
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Nerve Fascicle ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Flexion Strength ◽  
Fine Print

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.

Correlation between histopathological findings in C-5 and C-6 nerve stumps and motor recovery following nerve grafting for repair of brachial plexus injury

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 636-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn J. A. Malessy ◽  
Sjoerd G. van Duinen ◽  
Hans K. P. Feirabend ◽  
Ralph T. W. M. Thomeer
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Morphometric Study ◽  
Myelinated Fiber ◽  
Nerve Grafting ◽  
Biceps Muscle ◽  
Fiber Density ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Myelinated Fibers ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Proximal spinal nerve stumps were used as donor sites for grafts to repair brachial plexus traction lesions. The quality of the stumps was assessed histologically, and its correlation with the strength attained in the target muscle was studied.Methods. Four histopathological parameters in frozen tissue sections of 31 C-5 or C-6 nerve stumps were examined by a neuropathologist. The total quantity of myelin was compared with normal values. Also, thick myelinated fibers, fibrosis, and misdirected axons were assessed. Stumps embedded in plastic were used in a morphometric study of myelinated fiber profiles. The fiber density, mean size, and size distribution in five donor stumps were determined; three normal C-5 spinal nerves obtained at autopsy served as controls. Finally, the relative area occupied by fiber profiles and interspace was computed. Linear regression was used as a multivariate analysis, adjusting the outcome of surgical repair for effects of age, interval between trauma and surgery, and graft length.Histopathological examination showed that the total quantity of myelin in donor stumps used for biceps muscle reinnervation was considerably reduced. On morphometric examination the fiber density did not differ significantly between stumps obtained in patients and control stumps obtained at autopsy. However, a significant reduction of the area occupied by myelinated fibers was measured: from 46% in controls to 13% in patients (p < 0.0001). Likewise, a significant reduction was found in the mean fiber size: from 7.4 µm in controls to 3.7 µm in patients (p < 0.0001).The relationship between the myelin quantity in the proximal stump and the grade of biceps muscle recovery was statistically significant (p = 0.02). From the 95% confidence interval it was concluded that the estimated effect of a mean increase of myelinated fibers by 25% almost equals an increase in recovery of one point on the Medical Research Council scale (grade range 0–5).Conclusions. Both histopathological and morphometric examination showed a reduction of the quantity of myelin in C-5 or C-6 stumps used as donor sites for grafts. The amount of myelin is significantly correlated with biceps muscle function after nerve grafting. Because it is possible to assess the quantity of myelin by intraoperative examination of frozen sections, this correlation is potentially useful in the decision-making process of whether to use stumps for grafting or to use nerve transfer procedures to restore biceps muscle function.

Surgical reconstruction of the musculocutaneous nerve in traumatic brachial plexus injuries

1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 881-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Gustavo A. Carvalho ◽  
Guido Nikkhah ◽  
Götz Penkert
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Postoperative Outcome ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Surgical Reconstruction ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Neurosurgical Department ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Brachial Plexus Surgery ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Over the last 16 years, 345 surgical reconstructions of the brachial plexus were performed using nerve grafting or neurotization techniques in the Neurosurgical Department at the Nordstadt Hospital, Hannover, Germany. Sixty-five patients underwent graft placement between the C-5 and C-6 root and the musculocutaneous nerve to restore the flexion of the arm. A retrospective study was conducted, including statistical evaluation of the following pre- and intraoperative parameters in 54 patients: 1) time interval between injury and surgery; 2) choice of the donor nerve (C-5 or C-6 root); and 3) length of the grafts used for repairs between the C-5 or C-6 root and the musculocutaneous nerve. The postoperative follow-up interval ranged from 9 months to 14.6 years, with a mean ± standard deviation of 4.4 ± 3 years. Reinnervation of the biceps muscle was found in 61% of the patients. Comparison of the different preoperative time intervals (1–6 months, 7–12 months, and > 12 months) showed a significantly better outcome in those patients with a preoperative delay of less than 7 months (p < 0.05). Reinnervation of the musculocutaneous nerve was demonstrated in 76% of the patients who underwent surgery within the first 6 months postinjury, in 60% of the patients with a delay of between 6 and 12 months, and in only 25% of the patients who underwent surgery after 12 months. Comparison of the final outcome according to the root (C-5 or C-6) that was used for grafting the musculocutaneous nerve showed no statistical difference. Furthermore, statistical analysis (regression test) of the length of the grafts between the donor (C-5 or C-6 root) nerve and the musculocutaneous nerve displayed an inverse relationship between the graft length and the postoperative outcome. Together, these results provide additional information to enhance the functional outcome of brachial plexus surgery.

Brachial plexus injury: factors affecting functional outcome in spinal accessory nerve transfer for the restoration of elbow flexion

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Samii ◽  
Gustavo Adolpho Carvalho ◽  
Madjid Samii
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Nerve Graft ◽  
Musculocutaneous Nerve ◽  
Accessory Nerve ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Between 1994 and 1998, 44 nerve transfers were performed using a graft between a branch of the accessory nerve and musculocutaneous nerve to restore the flexion of the arm in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. A retrospective study was conducted, including statistical evaluation of the following pre- and intraoperative parameters in 39 patients: 1) time interval between injury and surgery; and 2) length of the nerve graft used to connect the accessory and musculocutaneous nerves. Methods. The postoperative follow-up interval ranged from 23 to 84 months, with a mean ± standard deviation of 36 ± 13 months. Reinnervation of the biceps muscle was achieved in 72% of the patients. Reinnervation of the musculocutaneous nerve was demonstrated in 86% of the patients who had undergone surgery within the first 6 months after injury, in 65% of the patients who had undergone surgery between 7 and 12 months after injury, and in only 50% of the patients who had undergone surgery 12 months after injury. A statistical comparison of the different preoperative time intervals (0–6 months compared with 7–12 months) showed a significantly better outcome in patients treated with early surgery (p < 0.05). An analysis of the impact of the length of the interposed nerve grafts revealed a statistically significant better outcome in patients with grafts 12 cm or shorter compared with that in patients with grafts longer than 12 cm (p < 0.005). Conclusions. Together, these results demonstrated that outcome in patients who undergo accessory to musculocutaneous nerve neurotization for restoration of elbow flexion following brachial plexus injury is greatly dependent on the time interval between trauma and surgery and on the length of the nerve graft used.

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.

scholarly journals Comparative accuracies of electrodiagnostic and imaging studies in neonatal brachial plexus palsy

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon W. Smith ◽  
Kate W. C. Chang ◽  
Lynda J. S. Yang ◽  
Mary Catherine Spires
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Preoperative Planning ◽  
Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Nerve Reconstruction ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Electrodiagnostic Testing ◽  
Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy ◽  
Age At Surgery ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lesion Localization

OBJECTIVEThe incorporation of ancillary testing in the preoperative setting for patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) remains controversial, but the recommendation for early nerve reconstruction when a baby has a preganglionic lesion at the lower nerve roots is generally accepted. At some specialty centers, nerve surgeons use preoperative electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) and imaging to aid in lesion localization and the preoperative planning of the nerve reconstruction. EDX and imaging have been evaluated for their abilities to detect pre- and postganglionic lesions, but their accuracies have never been compared directly in the same set of patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of imaging and EDX in an NBPP population.METHODSA retrospective review was conducted of 54 patients with operative NBPP seen between 2007 and 2017. The patients underwent EDX and imaging: EDX was performed, and the results were reviewed by board-certified electrodiagnosticians, and imaging was reviewed by board-certified neuroradiologists. The gold standard was considered to be the findings at surgical exploration. Descriptive and analytical statistics were utilized to compare the accuracies of imaging and EDX.RESULTSThe mean age at surgery was 6.94 mos (± 4 mos). Fifteen patients (28%) were Narakas grade I–II, and 39 (72%) were Narakas grade III–IV. For all nerve roots, the overall accuracy of detecting preganglionic lesions was 74% for EDX and 69% for imaging. The overall sensitivity of detecting preganglionic lesions by EDX was 31%, but the specificity was 90%. The overall sensitivity of detecting preganglionic lesions by imaging was 66%, and the overall specificity was 70%. However, at C8, EDX was 37.5% sensitive and 87.5% specific, whereas imaging was 67.7% sensitive but only 29.4% specific.CONCLUSIONSEDX outperformed imaging with regard to specificity and accuracy of identifying preganglionic injuries. This finding is especially relevant in the lower nerve roots, given that lower plexus preganglionic lesions are an accepted indication for early intervention.

Evaluation of suprascapular nerve neurotization after nerve graft or transfer in the treatment of brachial plexus traction lesions

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn J. A. Malessy ◽  
Godard C. W. de Ruiter ◽  
Kees S. de Boer ◽  
Ralph T. W. M. Thomeer
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Nerve Transfer ◽  
Deltoid Muscle ◽  
Suprascapular Nerve ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Axillary Nerve ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the restoration of shoulder function by means of suprascapular nerve neurotization in adult patients with proximal C-5 and C-6 lesions due to a severe brachial plexus traction injury. The primary goal of brachial plexus reconstructive surgery was to restore biceps muscle function and, secondarily, to reanimate shoulder function. Methods. Suprascapular nerve neurotization was performed by grafting the C-5 nerve in 24 patients and by accessory or hypoglossal nerve transfer in 29 patients. Additional neurotization involving the axillary nerve was performed in 18 patients. Postoperative needle electromyography studies of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and deltoid muscles showed signs of reinnervation in most patients; however, active glenohumeral shoulder function recovery was poor. In nine (17%) of 53 patients supraspinatus muscle strength was Medical Research Council (MRC) Grade 3 or 4 and in four patients (8%) infraspinatus muscle power was MRC Grade 3 or 4. In 18 patients in whom deltoid muscle reinnervation was attempted, MRC Grade 3 or 4 function was demonstrated in two (11%). In the overall group, eight patients (15%) exhibited glenohumeral abduction with a mean of 44 ± 17° (standard deviation [SD]; median 45°) and four patients (8%) exhibited glenohumeral exorotation with a mean of 48 ± 24° (SD; median 53°). In only three patients (6%) were both functions regained. Conclusions. The reanimation of shoulder function in patients with proximal C-5 and C-6 brachial plexus traction injuries following suprascapular nerve neurotization is disappointingly low.

Gamma knife radiosurgery in the management of cavernous sinus meningiomas

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 68-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Hugues Roche ◽  
Jean Régis ◽  
Henry Dufour ◽  
Henri-Dominique Fournier ◽  
Christine Delsanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Meningioma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors sought to assess the functional tolerance and tumor control rate of cavernous sinus meningiomas treated by gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS). Methods. Between July 1992 and October 1998, 92 patients harboring benign cavernous sinus meningiomas underwent GKS. The present study is concerned with the first 80 consecutive patients (63 women and 17 men). Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed as an alternative to surgical removal in 50 cases and as an adjuvant to microsurgery in 30 cases. The mean patient age was 49 years (range 6–71 years). The mean tumor volume was 5.8 cm3 (range 0.9–18.6 cm3). On magnetic resonance (MR) imaging the tumor was confined in 66 cases and extensive in 14 cases. The mean prescription dose was 28 Gy (range 12–50 Gy), delivered with an average of eight isocenters (range two–18). The median peripheral isodose was 50% (range 30–70%). Patients were evaluated at 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years after GKS. The median follow-up period was 30.5 months (range 12–79 months). Tumor stabilization after GKS was noted in 51 patients, tumor shrinkage in 25 patients, and enlargement in four patients requiring surgical removal in two cases. The 5-year actuarial progression-free survival was 92.8%. No new oculomotor deficit was observed. Among the 54 patients with oculomotor nerve deficits, 15 improved, eight recovered, and one worsened. Among the 13 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, one worsened (contemporary of tumor growing), five remained unchanged, four improved, and three recovered. In a patient with a remnant surrounding the optic nerve and preoperative low vision (3/10) the decision was to treat the lesion and deliberately sacrifice the residual visual acuity. Only one transient unexpected optic neuropathy has been observed. One case of delayed intracavernous carotid artery occlusion occurred 3 months after GKS, without permanent deficit. Another patient presented with partial complex seizures 18 months after GKS. All cases of tumor growth and neurological deficits observed after GKS occurred before the use of GammaPlan. Since the initiation of systematic use of stereotactic MR imaging and computer-assisted modern dose planning, no more side effects or cases of tumor growth have occurred. Conclusions. Gamma knife radiosurgery was found to be an effective low morbidity—related tool for the treatment of cavernous sinus meningioma. In a significant number of patients, oculomotor functional restoration was observed. The treatment appears to be an alternative to surgical removal of confined enclosed cavernous sinus meningioma and should be proposed as an adjuvant to surgery in case of extensive meningiomas.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for craniopharyngiomas

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Yuh Chung ◽  
David Hung-Chi Pan ◽  
Cheng-Ying Shiau ◽  
Wan-Yuo Guo ◽  
Ling-Wei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stereotactic Aspiration ◽  
Cystic Component ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) and adjuvant stereotactic procedures by assessing the outcome of 31 consecutive patients harboring craniopharyngiomas treated between March 1993 and December 1999. Methods. There were 31 consecutive patients with craniopharyngiomas: 18 were men and 13 were women. The mean age was 32 years (range 3–69 years). The mean tumor volume was 9 cm3 (range 0.3–28 cm3). The prescription dose to the tumor margin varied from 9.5 to 16 Gy. The visual pathways received 8 Gy or less. Three patients underwent stereotactic aspiration to decompress the cystic component before GKS. The tumor response was classified by percentage reduction of tumor volume as calculated based on magnetic resonance imaging studies. Clinical outcome was evaluated according to improvement and dependence on replacement therapy. An initial postoperative volume increase with enlargement of a cystic component was found in three patients. They were treated by adjuvant stereotactic aspiration and/or Ommaya reservoir implantation. Tumor control was achieved in 87% of patients and 84% had fair to excellent clinical outcome in an average follow-up period of 36 months. Treatment failure due to uncontrolled tumor progression was seen in four patients at 26, 33, 49, and 55 months, respectively, after GKS. Only one patient was found to have a mildly restricted visual field; no additional endocrinological impairment or neurological deterioration could be attributed to the treatment. There was no treatment-related mortality. Conclusions. Multimodality management of patients with craniopharyngiomas seemed to provide a better quality of patient survival and greater long-term tumor control. It is suggested that GKS accompanied by adjuvant stereotactic procedures should be used as an alternative in treating recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas if further microsurgical excision cannot promise a cure.

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