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Lee EY, Nelson AW, Sampson BP, Smither FC, Pulos N, Bishop AT, Spinner RJ, Shin AY. Evaluating the Ability of Brachial Plexus-Injured Patients to Control an Externally Powered (Myoelectric) Hand Prosthesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024:00004623-990000000-01096. [PMID: 38728379 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.23.00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restoration of hand function after traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI) remains a formidable challenge. Traditional methods such as nerve or free muscle transfers yield suboptimal results. Advancements in myoelectric prostheses, characterized by novel signal acquisition and improved material technology, show promise in restoring functional grasp. This study evaluated the ability of adults with a BPI injury to control an externally powered prosthetic hand using nonintuitive signals, simulating the restoration of grasp with a myoelectric prosthesis. It also assessed the effectiveness of a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation in guiding treatment decisions. METHODS A multidisciplinary brachial plexus team assessed adults with compromised hand function due to BPI. The feasibility of amputation coupled with fitting of a myoelectric prosthesis for grasp reconstruction was evaluated. Participants' ability to control a virtual or model prosthetic hand using surface electromyography (EMG) as well as with contralateral shoulder motion-activated linear transducer signals was tested. The patient's input and injury type, along with the information from the prosthetic evaluation, were used to determine the reconstructive plan. The study also reviewed the number of participants opting for amputation and a myoelectric prosthetic hand for grasp restoration, and a follow-up survey was conducted to assess the impact of the initial evaluation on decision-making. RESULTS Of 58 subjects evaluated, 47 (81%) had pan-plexus BPI and 42 (72%) received their initial assessment within 1 year post-injury. Forty-seven patients (81%) could control the virtual or model prosthetic hand using nonintuitive surface EMG signals, and all 58 could control it with contralateral uniscapular motion via a linear transducer and harness. Thirty patients (52%) chose and pursued amputation, and 20 (34%) actively used a myoelectric prosthesis for grasp. The initial evaluation was informative and beneficial for the majority of the patients, especially in demonstrating the functionality of the myoelectric prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS The study indicates that adults with traumatic BPI can effectively operate a virtual or model myoelectric prosthesis using nonintuitive control signals. The simulation and multidisciplinary evaluation influenced informed treatment choices, with a high percentage of patients continuing to use the myoelectric prostheses post-amputation, highlighting its long-term acceptance and viability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Y Lee
- Division of Hand and Microvascular Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | | | - F Clay Smither
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Nicholas Pulos
- Division of Hand and Microvascular Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Allen T Bishop
- Division of Hand and Microvascular Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Alexander Y Shin
- Division of Hand and Microvascular Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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2
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Harnoncourt L, Gstoettner C, Laengle G, Boesendorfer A, Aszmann O. [Prosthetic Fitting Concepts after Major Amputation in the Upper Limb - an Overview of Current Possibilities]. HANDCHIR MIKROCHIR P 2024; 56:84-92. [PMID: 38417811 PMCID: PMC10954373 DOI: 10.1055/a-2260-9842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The upper extremity and particularly the hands are crucial for patients in interacting with their environment, therefore amputations or severe damage with loss of hand function significantly impact their quality of life. In cases where biological reconstruction is not feasible or does not lead to sufficient success, bionic reconstruction plays a key role in patient care. Classical myoelectric prostheses are controlled using two signals derived from surface electrodes in the area of the stump muscles. Prosthesis control, especially in high amputations, is then limited and cumbersome. The surgical technique of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) offers an innovative solution: The major arm nerves that have lost their target organs due to amputation are rerouted to muscles in the stump area. This enables the establishment of cognitive control signals that allow significantly improved prosthesis control. PATIENTS/MATERIALS AND METHODS A selective literature review on TMR and bionic reconstruction was conducted, incorporating relevant articles and discussing them considering the clinical experience of our research group. Additionally, a clinical case is presented. RESULTS Bionic reconstruction combined with Targeted Muscle Reinnervation enables intuitive prosthetic control with simultaneous movement of various prosthetic degrees of freedom and the treatment of neuroma and phantom limb pain. Long-term success requires a high level of patient compliance and intensive signal training during the prosthetic rehabilitation phase. Despite technological advances, challenges persist, especially in enhancing signal transmission and integrating natural sensory feedback into bionic prostheses. CONCLUSION TMR surgery represents a significant advancement in the bionic care of amputees. Employing selective nerve transfers for signal multiplication and amplification, opens up possibilities for improving myoelectric prosthesis function and thus enhancing patient care. Advances in the area of external prosthetic components, improvements in the skeletal connection due to osseointegration and more fluid signal transmission using wireless, fully implanted electrode systems will lead to significant progress in bionic reconstruction, both in terms of precision of movement and embodiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Harnoncourt
- Klinisches Labor für Bionische Extremitätenrekonstruktion,
Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie,
Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Clemens Gstoettner
- Klinisches Labor für Bionische Extremitätenrekonstruktion,
Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie,
Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
- Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische
Chirurgie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Gregor Laengle
- Klinisches Labor für Bionische Extremitätenrekonstruktion,
Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie,
Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
- Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische
Chirurgie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Anna Boesendorfer
- Klinisches Labor für Bionische Extremitätenrekonstruktion,
Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie,
Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Oskar Aszmann
- Klinisches Labor für Bionische Extremitätenrekonstruktion,
Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie,
Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
- Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische
Chirurgie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
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Bahm J, Beier JP, Schäfer B. [Contralateral C7 Nerve Transfer]. HANDCHIR MIKROCHIR P 2024; 56:74-83. [PMID: 38408481 DOI: 10.1055/a-2246-1704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Complex brachial plexus injuries with multiple or complete root avulsions make intraplexic reconstruction impossible in some cases. Such cases necessitate the use of extraplexic nerve donors such as the spinal accessory nerve or intercostal nerves. The contralateral C7 root represents a donor with a high axon count and can be used as an axon source in such cases. We summarise current indications, surgical technique and functional results after a contralateral C7 transfer in cases of brachial plexus injury, describing some of our own cases and including a selective literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Bahm
- Klinik für Plastische Chirurgie, Hand- und Verbrennungschirurgie, Sektion für Plexuschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Justus P Beier
- Klinik für Plastische Chirurgie, Hand- und Verbrennungschirurgie, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schäfer
- Klinik für Plastische Chirurgie, Hand- und Verbrennungschirurgie, Sektion für Plexuschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Wijk U, Björkman A, Carlsson IK, Kristjansdottir F, Mrkonjic A, Rosén B, Antfolk C. A BIONIC HAND VS. A REPLANTED HAND. JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE. CLINICAL COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 7:24854. [PMID: 38274357 PMCID: PMC10810139 DOI: 10.2340/jrmcc.v7.24854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Objective Evaluation of the hand function affected when replacing a malfunctioning hand by a bionic hand. Design Case report. Subjects One individual that wished for a better quality of life after unsatisfying hand function following a replantation. Methods A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of body functions as well as activity performance and participation before and after a planned amputation and prosthetic fitting is presented. Results Improvements were seen in the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that were used regarding activity (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure [COPM]), pain (Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory [NPSI], Brief Pain Inventory [BPI], Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), cold intolerance (CISS) and health related quality of life (SF-36), as well as in the standardised grip function test, Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP). No referred sensations were seen but the discriminative touch on the forearm was improved. In the qualitative interview, a relief of pain, a lack of cold intolerance, improved appearance, better grip function and overall emotional wellbeing were expressed. Conclusions The planned amputation and subsequent fitting and usage of a hand prosthesis were satisfying for the individual with positive effects on activity and participation. Clinical relevance When the hand function after a hand replantation does not reach satisfactory levels, a planned amputation and a prosthetic hand can be the right solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Wijk
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anders Björkman
- Department of Hand Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingela K Carlsson
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Freyja Kristjansdottir
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ante Mrkonjic
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Rosén
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Christian Antfolk
- Deptartment of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Carlyle K, Day S. Outcome Measures Used to Assess Hand Activity in Amputee and Intact Populations: a Literature Review. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL 2022; 5:39023. [PMID: 37614636 PMCID: PMC10443517 DOI: 10.33137/cpoj.v5i2.39023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human hand is critical in assisting with activities of daily living (ADL). Amputation of the hand can affect a person physically, socially and psychologically. Knowledge of outcome measures used to assess upper limb activity of intact and amputee populations may aid in guiding research to develop applicable measurement tools specific to the amputee population. Tools could aid developments in prosthetic design and prescription, which benefit both users and healthcare researchers. OBJECTIVES This literature review examined outcome measurement tools used with non-amputee and amputee populations to assess hand activity. The objectives were to identify which characteristics of hand activity are captured by currently available measurement tools. METHODOLOGY Searches were conducted using PubMed, Cochrane and ProQuest for studies investigating hand activity for amputee and non-amputee populations. A total of 15 studies were included. PRISMA guidelines were used to assist with study selection. Data extraction and narrative synthesis were carried out. FINDINGS A total of 32 outcome measures were found. Frequently used tools were: Box and Block Test, Swedish Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, and range of motion. Studies employed a combination of 2 to 12 tools. Themes extracted were: importance of function and quality of life, the need for realistic tasks, and the need for outcome measures specific of the population. CONCLUSION There is a gap in research surrounding outcome measurement tools used to assess hand activity in the amputee population. A combination of outcome measures are required to obtain insight into the hand activities of intact and amputee populations. Function and quality of life are important aspects to consider when describing hand activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Carlyle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics, University of Salford, United Kingdom
| | - S Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Amin KR, Fildes JE. Bionic Prostheses: The Emerging Alternative to Vascularised Composite Allotransplantation of the Limb. Front Surg 2022; 9:873507. [PMID: 35599802 PMCID: PMC9122218 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.873507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty years have surpassed since the first vascularised composite allotransplantation (VCA) of the upper limb. This is an opportunity to reflect on the position of VCA as the gold standard in limb reconstruction. The paucity of recipients, tentative clinical outcomes, and insufficient scientific progress question whether VCA will remain a viable treatment option for the growing numbers of amputees. Bionic technology is advancing at a rapid pace. The prospect of widely available, affordable, safely applied prostheses with long-standing functional benefit is appealing. Progress in the field stems from the contributions made by engineering, electronic, computing and material science research groups. This review will address the ongoing reservations surrounding VCA whilst acknowledging the future impact of bionic technology as a realistic alternative for limb reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavit R. Amin
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Kavit R. Amin ;
| | - James E. Fildes
- The Ex-Vivo Research Centre CIC, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
- The Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Boesendorfer A, Sturma A, Gstoettner C, Pittermann A, Laengle G, Aszmann OC. Case Report: Bionic Reconstruction in an Adult With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 2:804376. [PMID: 36188841 PMCID: PMC9397750 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.804376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Many adults who had a severe Narakas IV obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) suffer from extensive impairments in daily living due to limited hand-arm function. The dramatic loss of axonal support at this very early age of development often render the entire extremity a biologic wasteland and reconstructive methods and therapies often fail to recover any functional hand use. In this scenario bionic reconstruction, including an elective amputation and a subsequent prosthetic fitting, may enable functional improvement in adults suffering from the consequences of such severe brachial plexus injuries. We here describe our experience in treating such patients and lay out the surgical rational and rehabilitation protocol exemplified in one patient. Case Presentation/Methods: A 27-year-old adult with a unilateral OBPI contacted our center. He presented with globally diminished function of the affected upper extremity with minimal hand activity, resulting in an inability to perform various tasks of daily living. No biological reconstructive efforts were available to restore meaningful hand function. An interdisciplinary evaluation, including a psychosocial assessment, was used to assess eligibility for bionic reconstruction. Before the amputation and after the prosthetic fitting functional assessments and self-reported questionnaires were performed. Results: One month after the amputation and de-rotation osteotomy of the humerus the patient was fitted with a myoelectric prosthesis. At the 1.5 year-follow-up assessment, the patient presented with a distinct improvement of function: the ARAT improved from 12 to 20 points, SHAP score improved from 8 to 29, and the DASH value improved from 50 to 11.7. The average wearing times of the prosthesis were 5 to 6 h per day (on 4–5 days a week). Discussion: The options for adults suffering from the consequences of severe OBPIs to improve function are limited. In selected patients in whom the neurological deficit is so severe that biologic hand function is unsatisfactory, an elective amputation and subsequent restoration of the hand with mechatronic means may be an option. The follow-up results indicate that this concept can indeed lead to solid hand function and independence in daily activities after amputation, subsequent prosthetic fitting, and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Boesendorfer
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnes Sturma
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neurorehabilitation Engineering Group, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clemens Gstoettner
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Pittermann
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Clinical Psychology, General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Laengle
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oskar C. Aszmann
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Oskar C. Aszmann
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Sturma A, Hruby LA, Boesendorfer A, Pittermann A, Salminger S, Gstoettner C, Politikou O, Vujaklija I, Farina D, Aszmann OC. Prosthetic Embodiment and Body Image Changes in Patients Undergoing Bionic Reconstruction Following Brachial Plexus Injury. Front Neurorobot 2021; 15:645261. [PMID: 33994986 PMCID: PMC8119996 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2021.645261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus injuries with multiple-root involvement lead to severe and long-lasting impairments in the functionality and appearance of the affected upper extremity. In cases, where biologic reconstruction of hand and arm function is not possible, bionic reconstruction may be considered as a viable clinical option. Bionic reconstruction, through a careful combination of surgical augmentation, amputation, and prosthetic substitution of the functionless hand, has been shown to achieve substantial improvements in function and quality of life. However, it is known that long-term distortions in the body image are present in patients with severe nerve injury as well as in prosthetic users regardless of the level of function. To date, the body image of patients who voluntarily opted for elective amputation and prosthetic reconstruction has not been investigated. Moreover, the degree of embodiment of the prosthesis in these patients is unknown. We have conducted a longitudinal study evaluating changes of body image using the patient-reported Body Image Questionnaire 20 (BIQ-20) and a structured questionnaire about prosthetic embodiment. Six patients have been included. At follow up 2.5–5 years after intervention, a majority of patients reported better BIQ-20 scores including a less negative body evaluation (5 out of 6 patients) and higher vital body dynamics (4 out of 6 patients). Moreover, patients described a strong to moderate prosthesis embodiment. Interestingly, whether patients reported performing bimanual tasks together with the prosthetic hand or not, did not influence their perception of the prosthesis as a body part. In general, this group of patients undergoing prosthetic substitution after brachial plexus injury shows noticeable inter-individual differences. This indicates that the replacement of human anatomy with technology is not a straight-forward process perceived in the same way by everyone opting for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Sturma
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Neurorehabilitation Engineering Group, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura A Hruby
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Boesendorfer
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Pittermann
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Clinical Psychology, General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Salminger
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Gstoettner
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olga Politikou
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivan Vujaklija
- Bionic and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Group, Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Dario Farina
- Neurorehabilitation Engineering Group, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oskar C Aszmann
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Belviso I, Palermi S, Sacco AM, Romano V, Corrado B, Zappia M, Sirico F. Brachial Plexus Injuries in Sport Medicine: Clinical Evaluation, Diagnostic Approaches, Treatment Options, and Rehabilitative Interventions. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020; 5:jfmk5020022. [PMID: 33467238 PMCID: PMC7739249 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk5020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The brachial plexus represents a complex anatomical structure in the upper limb. This "network" of peripheral nerves permits the rearrangement of motor efferent fibers, coming from different spinal nerves, in several terminal branches directed to upper limb muscles. Moreover, afferent information coming from different cutaneous regions in upper limb are sorted in different spinal nerves through the brachial plexus. Severe brachial plexus injuries are a rare clinical condition in the general population and in sport medicine, but with dramatic consequences on the motor and sensory functions of the upper limb. In some sports, like martial arts, milder injuries of the brachial plexus can occur, with transient symptoms and with a full recovery. Clinical evaluation represents the cornerstone in the assessment of the athletes with brachial plexus injuries. Electrodiagnostic studies and imaging techniques, like magnetic resonance and high-frequency ultrasound, could be useful to localize the lesion and to define an appropriate treatment and a functional prognosis. Several conservative and surgical techniques could be applied, and multidisciplinary rehabilitative programs could be performed to guide the athlete toward the recovery of the highest functional level, according to the type of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immacolata Belviso
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.B.); (S.P.); (A.M.S.); (V.R.); (B.C.)
| | - Stefano Palermi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.B.); (S.P.); (A.M.S.); (V.R.); (B.C.)
| | - Anna Maria Sacco
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.B.); (S.P.); (A.M.S.); (V.R.); (B.C.)
| | - Veronica Romano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.B.); (S.P.); (A.M.S.); (V.R.); (B.C.)
| | - Bruno Corrado
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.B.); (S.P.); (A.M.S.); (V.R.); (B.C.)
| | - Marcello Zappia
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Unit, Varelli Institute, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Sirico
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.B.); (S.P.); (A.M.S.); (V.R.); (B.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-746-3508
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