Recovery of Elbow Flexion after Nerve Reconstruction versus Free Functional Muscle Transfer for Late, Traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Systematic Review

Current Treatments and Future Directions for Facial Paralysis

Facial palsy is a condition that affects the facial nerve, the seventh of the 12 cranial nerves. Its main function is to control the muscles of facial expression. This involves the ability to express emotion through controlling the position of the mouth, the eyebrow, nostrils, and eye closure. The facial nerve also plays a key role in maintaining the posture of the mouth and as such, people with facial paralysis often have problems with drooling, speech, and dental hygiene.Due to the devastating effects on the quality of life of individuals with facial palsy, there are a multitude of various treatment options for the paralyzed face. This article reviews current management strategies and points towards promising future directions for research in the field of facial reanimation.

Functional Free Muscle Transfer for Reconstruction of Traumatic Adult Brachial Plexus Injuries

Traumatic brachial plexus injury is the most common indication for functional free muscle transfer, and elbow flexion recovery is the functional target, followed by shoulder stability and hand reanimation. In this article, we provide a literature review of functional free muscle transfer (FFMT) for adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries and the surgical technical recommendations to achieve the best functional results with FFMT for adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Barriers to Surgical Intervention and Factors Influencing Motor Outcomes in Patients with Severe Peripheral Nerve Injury: A Province Wide Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Despite the importance of timing of nerve surgery after peripheral nerve injury, optimal timing of intervention has not been clearly delineated. The goal of this study is to explore factors that may have a significant impact on clinical outcomes of severe peripheral nerve injury that requires reconstruction with nerve transfer or graft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult patients who underwent peripheral nerve transfer or grafting in Alberta were reviewed. Clustered multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of time to surgery, type of nerve repair, and patient characteristics on strength outcomes. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis model was used to examine factors correlated with increased time to surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 163 patients identified, the median time to surgery was 212 days. For every week of delay, the adjusted odds of achieving Medical Research Council strength grade ≥ 3 decreases by 3%. An increase in preinjury comorbidities was associated with longer overall time to surgery (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.95). Referrals made by surgeons were associated with a shorter time to surgery compared to general practitioners (aHR 1.87, 95% CI 1.14-3.06). In patients treated with nerve transfer, the adjusted odds of achieving antigravity strength was 388% compared to nerve grafting; while the adjusted odds decreased by 65% if the injury sustained had a pre-ganglionic injury component.

CONCLUSION

Mitigating delays in surgical intervention is crucial to optimizing outcomes. The nature of initial nerve injury and surgical reconstructive techniques are additional important factors that impact postoperative outcomes.

Factors Impacting the Success of Free Functioning Gracilis Muscle Transfer for Elbow Flexion in Brachial Plexus Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Free functioning muscle transfer is a reconstructive option to restore elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries. The authors determined the impact of body mass index, age, and location of distal tendon attachment on elbow flexion strength after free functioning muscle transfer in traumatic brachial plexus injury patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent free functioning muscle transfer for elbow flexion as part of their brachial plexus injury reconstruction with a minimum 2-year follow-up were evaluated. Outcomes assessed included elbow flexion strength (British Medical Research Council grade) and change in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and visual analogue scale pain scores.

RESULTS

One hundred six patients met inclusion criteria. The average age was 32 years, and the average body mass index was 27.1 kg/m2; 56.5 percent of patients achieved M3 or greater muscle grade using the authors' strict modification of the British Medical Research Council scale. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores improved from 45.7 to 38.8 (p < 0.05). Visual analogue scale pain scores decreased, but this trend did not obtain significance. Age and body mass index both had a significant negative impact on final free functioning muscle transfer grade (p < 0.05). Use of a distal tendon insertion led to improved muscle grade outcomes, with targeting of wrist extension being superior to finger flexion (p < 0.05). Simultaneous musculocutaneous nerve grafting did not significantly alter final elbow flexion strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing age and body mass index both imparted a deleterious effect on free functioning muscle transfer muscle grade. Distal muscle targets had better strength outcomes than when the biceps tendon was used.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, III.

Free functional muscle transfer for upper limb paralysis - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Functional restoration of upper limb paralysis represents a major reconstructive challenge. Free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) enables reanimation in patients with a lack of local donor tissues or delayed presentation. This systematic review summarises the evidence for FFMT in the reconstruction of upper limb paralysis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed with a systematic review using methodology adapted from the Cochrane Handbook and the PRISMA statement. Data from included studies were compiled and narratively synthesised. Studies were assessed for risk of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 1155 records were screened, with 39 observational studies of 904 patients included. The most common aetiology was brachial plexus injury (736, 81.4%). Mean time from injury to intervention was 26 months. Restoration of elbow flexion was the commonest reconstructive goal. The most common donor muscle was gracilis (91.5%). Reported outcomes were heterogeneous with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) available in only 7 of 39 studies. Nearly half of FFMTs had a post-operative MRC grade of <4 and 18.1% had an MRC <3. Mean flap failure rate was 3.6% (range 0-10.5%). All studies were at high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

FFMT may be an effective surgical intervention for upper limb paralysis; however, the current evidence has significant shortcomings. There is no consensus regarding outcome measures nor is it possible to identify prognostic factors for its effectiveness. This review highlights a need for improved study design with pre-operative assessment, standardisation in outcome reporting, and the use of PROMs to determine the effectiveness of FFMT in upper limb paralysis.

Treatment Trends of Adult Brachial Plexus Injury: A Bibliometric Analysis

Brachial plexus injury is often debilitating because it can severely impair upper extremity function and, thus, quality of life. The surgical treatment of injuries to the brachial plexus is very demanding because it requires a profound understanding of the anatomy and expertise in microsurgery. The aim of this study was to get an overview of the landscape in adult brachial plexus injury surgery, and to understand how this has changed over the years.

Methods

The most frequently cited articles in English relevant to adult brachial plexus injury were identified through the Web of Science online database.

Results

The average number of citations per article was 32.8 (median 24, range 4-158). Authors from 26 countries contributed to our list, and the US was the biggest contributor. Almost half of all nerve transfer cases were described by Asian authors. Amongst nerve transfer, the spinal accessory nerve was the preferred donor overall, except in Asia, where intercostal nerves were preferred. Distal nerve transfers were described more often than plexo-plexal and extra-plexal-to-plexal transfers. The most common grafts were sural nerve grafts and vascularized ulnar nerve grafts, which became popular in the last decade.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on the regional variations in treatment trends of adult brachial plexus injury, and on the evolution of the field over the last 30 years. The articles included in our analysis are an excellent foundation for those interested in the surgical management of brachial plexus injuries.

Management of Adult Brachial Plexus Injuries

Adult brachial plexus injuries result in profound functional deficits, debilitating pain, substantial mental health implications, and extensive economic impacts. Their initial evaluation includes a detailed physical examination, electrodiagnostic studies, advanced imaging, and patient counseling. A team-based approach, led by a peripheral nerve surgeon and including hand therapists, electrodiagnosticians, mental health experts, and pain-management specialists, is used to provide optimal longitudinal care during the lengthy recovery process. The options for the surgical management of brachial plexus injuries include exploration, neurolysis, nerve grafting, nerve transfer, free functional muscle transfer, tendon transfer, arthrodesis, and amputation. When treated within 6 months, the outcomes are favorable for the restoration of essential shoulder and elbow function. Free functional muscle transfer is a powerful tool to address elbow flexion and rudimentary grasp in both primary and delayed settings. The restoration of hand function remains a challenge for patients with complete brachial plexus injury. The purpose of this review is to summarize foundational concepts in diagnosis and management, discuss current trends and controversial topics, and address areas for future investigation.

Brachial Plexus Injury Surgical Service in Time of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Experience from a Single Tertiary Orthopaedic Hospital in Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is one of the most devastating nerve injuries to the extremities. BPI in adults is an increasingly common clinical problem due to road traffic accident. Injury patterns, the timing of surgery, priority on the recovery of function, and patient’s understanding about the expectations of the prognosis are things that are important to consider before deciding on surgical management. The coronavirus pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly affected all sectors, one of which is a surgical practice both in terms of medical personnel and equipment, also patient perceptions of hospital services. AIM: This study will analyze epidemiological data on BPI patients who underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of BPI profile in Prof. Soeharso Orthopedic Hospital before (2019) and during (2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic data, the total number of surgery, type of surgical procedure, and patient origin were collected. We compared to the same period in 2019 before pandemic started. RESULTS: In the data obtained from patients treated or undergoing BPI surgery before pandemic (March 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019) and during the pandemic (March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020), Indonesia first confirms case was on March 2, 2020, until today. There were 51 and 43 cases, respectively. Panplexal type before the pandemic there were 27 patients (52%), and during the pandemic were 20 patients (46%), the upper type before: during the pandemic was 24 (48%): 23 (54%), and lower type 0 cases. Primary reconstruction before: during the pandemic was 26 (55%): 27 (62%) case, and secondary reconstruction before: during the pandemic was 25 (49%): 16 (38%) case, respectively. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic has no significant effect in the term of the number of BPI surgery performed. Better outcome in BPI surgery is influenced by the timing of the operation, therefore primary reconstruction remains the main choice for BPI patients with safety concern or health protocols. Pre-operative screening applied in our hospital includes laboratory examination, chest radiograph, and polymerase chain reaction swab test. Surgical personnel using personal protective equipment such as protective suit, face shield, google, shoes and medical mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with significant axon loss and limited clinical recovery are considered “urgent”, as surgery should be performed within 6 months or sooner (depending upon the distance to recipient’s muscle) to avoid irreversible muscle atrophy and degradation of motor endplates.

Prevention and Treatment of Nerve Injuries in Shoulder Arthroplasty

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Nerve injuries during shoulder arthroplasty have traditionally been considered rare events, but recent electrodiagnostic studies have shown that intraoperative nerve trauma is relatively common.

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The brachial plexus and axillary and suprascapular nerves are the most commonly injured neurologic structures, with the radial and musculocutaneous nerves being less common sites of injury.

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Specific measures taken during the surgical approach, component implantation, and revision surgery may help to prevent direct nerve injury. Intraoperative positioning maneuvers and arm lengthening warrant consideration to minimize indirect injuries.

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Suspected nerve injuries should be investigated with electromyography preferably at 6 weeks and no later than 3 months postoperatively, allowing for primary reconstruction within 3 to 6 months of injury when indicated. Primary reconstructive options include neurolysis, direct nerve repair, nerve grafting, and nerve transfers.

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Secondary reconstruction is preferred for injuries presenting >12 months after surgery. Secondary reconstructive options with favorable outcomes include tendon transfers and free functioning muscle transfers.

Do technical components of microanastomoses influence the functional outcome of free gracilis muscle transfer for elbow flexion in traumatic brachial plexus injury?

INTRODUCTION

The traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus in adults are devastating injuries causing continuous severe functional impairment for both work and daily living activities. The restoration of elbow flexion is one of the most important movements for patient recovery to previous activities. Free gracilis muscle transfer has good outcomes for cases with late presentation or as a rescue surgery to regain elbow flexion, however, bad results are present in all cohorts with insufficient recovery of muscle strength for elbow flexion. A number of hypotheses can be postulate to explain the fair results observed in some cases of free gracilis muscle transfer for elbow flexion. Most studies in the current literature compare the choice of the donor nerve used in neurotization and nerve grafts. The aim of this study is to evaluate if technical components of microvascular anastomosis could influence the functional outcome of free functional muscle transfer for elbow flexion in adult patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Included all adult patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury submitted to free functional gracilis muscle transfer for elbow flexion. The complications and functional results according to British Medical Research Council (BMRC) score were recorded.

RESULTS

We assessed 26 patients with mean age of 32.8 years. The most common donor nerve for gracilis muscle was the accessory nerve in 18 patients. Eighteen patients presented with good result (M3/M4). The mean ischemia time was higher for patients with bad results (132 minutes) comparing with patients with good results (122 minutes). Patients with only one venous anastomosis had 41% of poor functional outcome compared with 22% of cases with two venous anastomoses. No statistically significant difference in the ischemia time of the cases with good or poor functional outcome was observed (p=0.657), as for the number of venous anastomoses (p=0.418).

CONCLUSION

Our study observes that patients with only one venous anastomoses for drainage of free gracilis and those with longer intraoperative ischemia time had higher incidence of poor functional outcome of free gracilis muscle transfer for elbow flexion, but not statistically significant.

LEVEL OF PROOF

II; prospective cross-sectional study.

Free Vascularized Rectus Abdominis Transfer With Pedicled Intercostal Innervation for Functional Reconstruction of the Elbow in Total Brachial Plexus Palsy

PURPOSE

Reanimation of palsied upper limbs usually follows an escalating pattern of nerve repair, nerve transfers, and musculotendinous transfers and culminates in free functioning muscle transfers. When there are no other musculotendinous options, we explored the possibility of transferring the rectus abdominus to the biceps by maintaining the nerve pedicle but dividing the vascular pedicle and anastomosing it to the brachial artery.

METHODS

We performed anatomical dissection of the nerve and blood supply of 6 rectus abdominis muscles in 3 cadavers. A retrospective analysis of 4 patients in whom a rectus abdominus muscle transfer with a pedicled nerve, but free vascular supply, was then performed.

RESULTS

The anatomical feasibility study demonstrated that it was possible to elevate the rectus abdominis on its intercostal nerve supply to the midaxillary line, allowing the muscle to be pedicled on its nerve supply and be transferred to the arm to reconstruct biceps. The vascular supply could be reestablished by anastomosis of inferior epigastric vessels to the brachial artery and veins. In 4 patients, elbow flexion strength of M3 or greater was achieved. Average elbow range of dynamic flexion was 120° (range, 92° to 131°). Shoulder stability and external rotation improved in all patients with resolution of shoulder subluxation. Two patients developed donor site hernias requiring mesh reconstruction. Complications included a hypertrophic recipient site scar in one patient, and recipient site wound dehiscence in another.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectus abdominus can be transferred to reconstruct elbow flexion when other musculotendinous transfers are unavailable and as an alternative to free functioning muscle transfer. However, rectus abdominus transfer still requires microsurgical skills for the vessel anastomoses. This is an effective procedure for functional reconstruction of the elbow and adds to the armamentarium in the management of brachial plexus pathology when other transfers are unavailable.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic V.

Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Procedure in a Swine Model

BACKGROUND

As surgical research expands in both breadth and scope, translational models become increasingly important. The accessibility, reproducibility, and clinical applicability of translational models is of vital importance to ensure adequate and accurate research. Though different flap models have been described, the literature lacks an in-depth, technical description of an easy large-animal preclinical model. We here describe the procedure for elevation of a latissimus dorsi flap in a swine. This flap contains muscle and skin that can be isolated on a vascular pedicle, transferred as a free flap, perfused, or innervated/denervated as dictated by the needs of the experiment.

METHODS

Five different latissimus dorsi flaps were elevated in miniature swine. Careful attention was paid to anatomical landmarks and optimal placement of incision, dissection, and retraction. Temporary ischemia with vascular clamping was performed along with serial digital and infrared imaging both intra- and postoperatively. In three of the flaps with induced ischemia, the animal was observed for a 30-day follow up with daily photodocumentation and intermittent biopsy.

RESULTS

A reproducible latissimus flap model was designed with optimized conditions. In the animals in which flaps were followed postoperatively, complete healing was seen within 30 days without evidence of procedure-related ischemia or loss of motor function.

CONCLUSION

We have identified and described a pre-clinical large animal flap model that can be easily reproduced for translational studies of multiple scientific areas including flap-based repair, ischemia, ischemia reperfusion, and operative technique. This provides an important model for ready replication in preclinical studies of many varieties.

Use of the Facial Artery for Free Functioning Muscle Transfers: An Alternative Pedicle for Salvage in Brachial Plexus Lesions with Vascular Injuries

Free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) is a salvage procedure recommended in cases of brachial plexus injury with late presentations or failures of primary nerve reconstruction. The workhorse for most authors is the gracilis, and the most common indication is the restoration of elbow flexion. For successful revascularization of the muscle, donor vessels must be in proximity of the site of the muscle fixation and allow direct coaptation to a donor nerve, ideally without the use of nerve grafts. A major problem occurs when patients have sustained concomitant vascular injuries to the subclavian and/or axillary arteries and had previous surgical dissections in the area where the most common vascular pedicles are located. The authors report the use of the rerouted facial vessels as donors in these complex cases. The surgical technique is presented, along with three cases where the procedure was used. The flaps survived in all the patients and grade > 3/5 muscle contraction was observed in the two patients who had adequate follow-up. Conclusion: the use of the facial vessels as donor vessels is an option to revascularize a FFMT in the setting of severe vascular injury to the subclavian and axillary arteries.

Viable C5 and C6 Proximal Stump Use in Reconstructive Surgery of the Adult Brachial Plexus Traction Injuries

BACKGROUND

In patients with only upper (C5, C6) brachial plexus palsy (BPP), the pooled international data strongly favor nerve transfers over nerve grafts. In patients with complete BPP, some authors favor nerve grafts for the restoration of priority functions whenever there is a viable proximal stump.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate functional recovery in cases of upper and complete BPP where only direct graft repair from viable proximal stumps was performed.

METHODS

The study included 36 patients (24 with complete BPP and 12 with only upper BPP) operated on over a 15-yr period. In all cases, direct graft repair from C5 to the musculocutaneous and the axillary nerve was performed. In cases with complete BPP, additional procedures included either direct graft repair from C6 to the radial nerve and the medial pectoral nerve or the dorsal scapular nerve transfer to the branch for the long head of the triceps.

RESULTS

The use of C5 proximal stump grafts (in both complete and upper BPP) resulted in satisfactory elbow flexion in 26 patients (72.2%) and satisfactory shoulder abduction in 22 patients (61.1%). The use of C6 proximal stump grafts in patients with complete BPP resulted in satisfactory elbow extension in 5 (50%) and satisfactory shoulder adduction in another 5 (50%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Although nerve transfers generally enable better restoration of priority functions, in cases of infraganglionary injuries, especially in shorter defects, it is also necessary to consider direct graft repair, or at least its combination with nerve transfers, as a potentially beneficial treatment modality.

The Inverted Free Functioning Gracilis Muscle Transfer For Restoration of Elbow Flexion Following Delayed Presentation or Failed Primary Nerve Reconstruction of Upper Trunk Injuries

Free functional gracilis transfer is a well-established technique for restoring active elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries following delayed presentation or failed nerve reconstruction procedures. In cases of delayed presentation or failed nerve reconstruction following upper trunk injuries, the lower trunk intraplexal median and ulnar nerves are spared, thereby making them available to reinnervate the transferred gracilis. Therefore, we have inverted the conventional free functional gracilis orientation so as to orient the flap's recipient nerve in closer proximity to donor median or ulnar nerve fascicles to enable a short, tension-free coaptation in the middle to distal arm. Herein is our descriptive surgical technique for performing an inverted free functional gracilis muscle transfer in order to restore elbow flexion in the setting of an upper trunk injury.

Traumatic brachial plexus injury: a study of 510 surgical cases from multicenter services in Guangxi, China

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are severe lesions, and the incidence of these injuries has been increasing in recent years.

METHODS

The clinical data of 510 operated patients with brachial plexus injury recruited from 74 hospitals in Guangxi from 2004 to 2016 were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

Our study included 447 males and 63 females, with an average age of 29.04 years. Traffic accidents were the most common cause of injury (64.71%), especially motorcycle accidents. Closed injuries accounted for 88.24% of cases, and 83.53% of patients had associated injuries, the most common of which were fractures (76.27%). The preoperative predictive value of root injury of MRI and CT was 74.71% and 71.28%, respectively. 44.71% of patients underwent an initial operation within 6 months after the trauma. Regarding the surgery, neurolysis alone, brachial plexus reconstruction, and free functioning gracilis graft accounted for 16.67%, 75.50%, and 4.51%, respectively. A total of 415 patients were followed up with an average time of 47.95 (25-68) months, and anxiety or depression were found among 81.20% of them. Two hundred seventy-six patients suffered from nerve pain, with mild pain present in 67.03% of patients. Additionally, 347 patients were followed up for more than 3 years, 76.81% of patients with C5-C6 injury recovery to useful function, and the procedure of neurolysis alone demonstrated the best efficacy (79.45%).

CONCLUSIONS

Brachial plexus injury is still a challenging trauma for surgeons, and traffic accidents are the dominant cause. Timely and effective surgery is important for functional limb recovery.

Repair of long segmental ulnar nerve defects in rats by several different kinds of nerve transposition

Multiple regeneration of axonal buds has been shown to exist during the repair of peripheral nerve injury, which confirms a certain repair potential of the injured peripheral nerve. Therefore, a systematic nerve transposition repair technique has been proposed to treat severe peripheral nerve injury. During nerve transposition repair, the regenerated nerve fibers of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord can effectively grow into the repaired distal nerve and target muscle tissues, which is conducive to the recovery of motor function. The aim of this study was to explore regeneration and nerve functional recovery after repairing a long-segment peripheral nerve defect by transposition of different donor nerves. A long-segment (2 mm) ulnar nerve defect in Sprague-Dawley rats was repaired by transposition of the musculocutaneous nerve, medial pectoral nerve, muscular branches of the radial nerve and anterior interosseous nerve (pronator quadratus muscle branch). In situ repair of the ulnar nerve was considered as a control. Three months later, wrist flexion function, nerve regeneration and innervation muscle recovery in rats were assessed using neuroelectrophysiological testing, osmic acid staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining, respectively. Our findings indicate that repair of a long-segment ulnar nerve defect with different donor nerve transpositions can reinnervate axonal function of motor neurons in the anterior horn of spinal cord and restore the function of affected limbs to a certain extent.