Demographics and deprivation in obstetric brachial plexus palsy: a retrospective cohort study

The present study analyses the relationships between deprivation and obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). A retrospective observational study was conducted of infants with OBPP seen between 2008 and 2020 (n = 321). The index of multiple deprivation (IMD) was used to assign an IMD rank to patients based on birth postcode and the relationship with OBPP was analysed, including deprivation, gestational diabetes, age at referral and at first assessment. Quintile-based analysis demonstrated over-representation of patients from more deprived neighbourhoods (n = 109, 39%) living in the top 20% most deprived neighbourhoods. A total of 48 (15%) mothers had diabetes and 98 (31%) infants underwent surgical brachial plexus exploration (a marker of disease severity). Neither diabetes, age at referral nor age at first assessment were associated with IMD score. This suggests that neighbourhood deprivation is associated with OBPP, though the mechanisms are unclear. Further studies in this area may enable targeted health intervention for more deprived maternal and infant groups.Level of evidence: III.

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.

Prospective study comparing outcomes of primary intraplexal repair versus distal nerve transfers in Narakas grade I birth brachial plexus palsy

To compare the results of intraplexal repair and distal nerve transfer in babies with birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP), children with Narakas group I obstetric palsy were assigned to two groups of 16 each. Children in group A were treated with classical intraplexal repair and those in group B were treated by distal nerve transfers. At 6 months, all the children in group B had achieved Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) grade 3 elbow flexion along with 8 of the 16 children in group A, which was a statistically significant difference. At 6 months, all the children in group B achieved MMRC grade 3 or higher shoulder abduction and 8 of the 16 children in group A had done so, which was also statistically significant. At the final follow-up, the distal transfer surgical treatment group had a significantly higher Mallet score. Distal nerve transfers have a significant advantage in early recovery in elbow flexion and shoulder abduction, but the outcomes became similar after 9 months.Level of evidence: III.

Optimizing donor fascicle selection in Oberlin's procedure: A retrospective review of anatomical variability using intraoperative neuromonitoring

BACKGROUND

Transfer of the fascicle carrying the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) branch of the ulnar nerve (UN) to the biceps/brachialis muscle branch of the musculocutaneous nerve (Oberlin's procedure), is a mainstay technique for elbow flexion restoration in patients with upper brachial plexus injury. Despite its widespread use, there are few studies regarding the anatomic location of the donor fascicle for Oberlin's procedure. Our report aims to analyze the anatomical variability of this fascicle within the UN, while obtaining quantifiable, objective data with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) for donor fascicle selection.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients at our institution who underwent an Oberlin's procedure from September 2019 to July 2023. We used IONM for donor fascicle selection (greatest FCU muscle and least intrinsic hand muscle activation). We prospectively obtained demographic and electrophysiological data, as well as anatomical location of donor fascicles and post-surgical morbidities. Surgeon's perception of FCU/intrinsic muscle contraction was compared to objective muscle amplitude during IONM.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included, with a mean age of 30.5 years and an injury-to-surgery interval of 4 months. Donor fascicle was located anterior in two cases, posterior in two, radial in two and ulnar in two patients. Correlation between surgeon's perception and IONM findings were consistent in six (75%) cases. No long term motor or sensory deficits were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

Fascicle anatomy within the UN at the proximal arm is highly variable. The use of IONM can aid in optimizing donor fascicle selection for Oberlin's procedure.

Brachial plexus birth injuries: a multi-speciality approach. Commentary and opinions

The management of brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI) remains controversial and ever evolving. In this article, studies are examined to provide further insight into the ongoing controversies and debates surrounding BPBI. The articles are diverse and examine the topics of aetiology, demographics, reliability versus accuracy of measurements and surgical management. The management of BPBI may differ depending on resources. Outcome measures may also vary depending on geography. Future research should focus on developing consensus-validated measures and reproducible surgical techniques. These can then guide further population-based research and provide guidelines to minimize the incidence of BPBI.

Hand function outcomes following surgical treatment of complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy

PURPOSE

Although re-innervation of the hand is considered a priority in the treatment of infants with complete brachial plexus injury, there is currently a paucity of publications investigating hand function outcomes following primary nerve reconstruction in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). This study therefore aimed to evaluate hand function outcomes in a series of patients with complete NBPP.

METHODS

This retrospective case series included all patients who underwent primary nerve surgery for complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy over an 8-year period. Outcomes were assessed using the Raimond Hand Scale. Classification of grade 3 or higher indicates a functional hand (assistance in bimanual activity).

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with a complete NBPP underwent primary nerve reconstruction at a mean age of 3.7 months. Periodic clinical evaluations were performed until at least 4 years of age. According to the Raimondi hand scale, one patient did not recover (grade 0), three patients attained grade 1, four grade 2, ten grade 3, and in one grade 4. Overall hand functional recovery was achieved in 57.8% (11/19) of patients.

CONCLUSION

Sufficient recovery of hand function to perform bimanual activity tasks in patients with complete NBPP lesions is possible and should be a priority in the surgical treatment of these infants.

Correlation between histopathological nerve assessment and clinical recovery in brachial plexus birth injuries

In the management of brachial plexus birth palsies, the quality of the roots eligible for reconstruction is thought to be a key issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlations between pathological root examination and motor recovery after brachial plexus reconstructions. Quantitative histopathological analysis of intraneural fibrosis was conducted on 72 nerve transections (40 roots, 18 trunks and 14 suprascapular nerves) in 20 patients. Clinical recovery of targeted muscles after surgery was assessed by standardized functional scores. After a mean follow-up of 32 months, patients with a lower fibrosis rate for the suprascapular nerve had greater global Mallet scores (r = -0.57; p = 0.042) as well as a greater active shoulder flexion (r = -0.66; p = 0.015). Correlations were also found between C6 root and upper trunk fibrosis rate and some of the subsections of the Mallet score, active movement scale for the biceps and active elbow flexion. These results seem to confirm the relevance of intraoperative pathological evaluation of the roots and nerves after neuroma resection to optimally define the reconstruction strategy.Level of evidence: IV.

Delayed nerve reconstruction for brachial plexus injuries: is the risk worth the reward?

OBJECTIVE

Nerve reconstruction after 6 months of denervation time in brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) can be inconsistent. A dilemma exists when the use of critical donor nerves for nerve transfers may lead to unreliable outcomes that would waste the donor nerve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of elbow and shoulder function in patients with BPIs receiving nerve reconstruction in the delayed setting (i.e., 6-12 months after injury).

METHODS

Data from patients with delayed BPIs who received a nerve transfer (including proximal and distal nerve transfer/grafting) at a tertiary medical center were retrospectively collected from January 1999 to March 2020. Demographics, extent of injury, mechanism of injury, and reconstructive methods were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups: non-pan-plexus BPI (C5-6, C5-7, and C5-8) and pan-plexus BPI (C5-T1). Acceptable outcome was defined as elbow flexion ≥ M3 status or shoulder abduction ≥ 60°.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were included in the study. The average time from injury to nerve reconstruction was 236 (range 180-441) days, and the average follow-up time was 66 months. In the non-pan-plexus BPI group (n = 43 patients), 74.4% of patients demonstrated M3 elbow flexion, and 48.8% of patients demonstrated M4 elbow flexion. Double fascicular transfer yielded better results and faster recovery than a single fascicular transfer. In the pan-plexus BPI group (n = 21 patients), 38.1% of patients reached M3 elbow flexion and 23.8% attained M4 elbow flexion. In the non-pan-plexus BPI group, the recovery rate of acceptable shoulder abduction was 53.5%, but only 23.5% of pan-plexus patients with BPI achieved acceptable shoulder abduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve reconstruction can effectively restore functional elbow flexion and acceptable shoulder abduction in non-pan-plexus patients with BPI in the delayed setting. However, neither acceptable elbow flexion nor shoulder abduction could be consistently achieved in pan-plexus BPI. Judicious use of the donor nerves in pan-plexus injuries is required, in addition to preserving a donor nerve for a backup plan such as free-functioning muscle transplantation or tendon transfers.

Retro Oesophageal Transfer of Contralateral C7 in Birth Brachial Plexus Injury - A Retrospective Study

Background: Presence of available healthy nerve roots on the injured side determines the outcome after nerve reconstruction. Paucity of nerve roots warrants contralateral C7 harvest for optimal results. We aim to study the risks and benefits of retro oesophageal transfer of contralateral C7 root in infants with birth brachial plexus injury. Methods: Study was carried out from 2017 to 2022 in 13 children who have undergone retro oesophageal transfer of contralateral C7 root to affected side. Follow-up period ranged from 8 to 60 months after the surgery. Motor power assessment was done using by active movement scale. Results: Average active movement score for abduction was found to be 6, elbow flexion 5.7, elbow extension 5.8, wrist extension 3, wrist flexion 4, finger flexion 4.8 and finger extension 3.8, respectively. No neurological deficits, limb length anomaly noted in the normal upper limb after contralateral C7 harvest. Conclusions: Retro oesophageal transfer of contralateral C7 is a safe technique in birth brachial plexus injury. The advantage of retro oesophageal transfer is reduction in the length of nerve grafts, thus helping in early neurotisation of distal forearm and hand muscles. The large axonal output from contralateral C7 can be used to reconstruct different nerves without any residual deficits on the normal side. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

The association between number of intercostal nerves transferred and elbow flexion: a systematic review and pooled analysis

OBJECTIVE

This pooled analysis evaluates the association between the number of nerves transferred and postoperative outcomes after intercostal nerve (ICN) nerve transfer for elbow flexion.

METHODS

A systematic and pooled analysis of studies reporting individual patient demographics and outcomes after ICN-musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfer for traumatic brachial plexus injury was conducted. The primary outcome was the ability to attain an elbow flexion Medical Research Council (MRC) score of ≥4 at the final postoperative follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included for a total of 128 patients. There were 43 patients who underwent two ICNT, 77 patients who underwent three ICNT, and 8 patients who underwent four ICNT. The three groups did not differ in ability to achieve MRC ≥ 4 (2ICNT 48.8%, 3ICNT 42.9%, 4ICNT 50.0%, p = 0.789). The number of ICNs transferred was not associated with MRC scores ≥4 on the multivariable analysis (OR: 0.55, p = 0.126).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that two ICN transfers may be as effective as three ICN and four ICN transfers and highlight the potential for nonsurgical factors to influence postoperative outcomes. Taken together, this pooled analysis leads us to question the utility of transferring >2 ICNs for MCN neurotization.

Transfer of the phrenic nerve to musculocutaneous nerve via sural nerve graft after total brachial plexus injury

A middle age male presented a right total brachial plexus injury after motorcycle fall one year ago. Subsequent electromyographic evaluation was consistent with C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1 root avulsion. The patient was submitted to a right transfer of the phrenic nerve to musculocutaneous nerve , using rural nerve graft.

3D SHINKEI MR neurography in evaluation of traumatic brachial plexus

3D SHINKEI neurography is a new sequence for imaging the peripheral nerves. The study aims at assessing traumatic brachial plexus injury using this sequence. Fifty-eight patients with suspected trauma induced brachial plexus injury underwent MR neurography (MRN) imaging in 3D SHINKEI sequence at 3 T. Surgery and intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials or clinical follow-up results were used as the reference standard. MRN, surgery and electromyography (EMG) findings were recorded at four levels of the brachial plexus-roots, trunks, cords and branches. Fifty-eight patients had pre- or postganglionic injury. The C5-C6 nerve postganglionic segment was the most common (average 42%) among the postganglionic injuries detected by 3D SHINKEI MRN. The diagnostic accuracy (83.75%) and the specificity (90.30%) of MRN higher than that of EMG (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the diagnostic sensitivity of MRN compared with EMG (p > 0.05). Eighteen patients with brachial plexus injury underwent surgical exploration after MRN examination and the correlation between MRN and surgery was 66.7%. Due to the high diagnostic accuracy and specificity, 3D SHINKEI MRN can comprehensively display the traumatic brachial plexus injury. This sequence has great potential in the accurate diagnosis of traumatic brachial plexus injury.

Rehabilitation protocols in neonates undergoing primary nerve surgery for upper brachial plexus palsy: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Surgical management is recommended in patients with severe neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) within the first 6 months of age to regain best possible function. Rehabilitation post-surgery remains relatively unexplored. This is a scoping review that explores, which rehabilitation modalities exist and how they vary for different microsurgical approaches in NBPP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted to include articles about upper trunk obstetric brachial plexus nerve microsurgery in pediatric patients that made mention of rehabilitation protocols. The aims of rehabilitation modalities varied and were grouped: "passive" movement to prevent joint contracture or stiffness, "active" or task-oriented movement to improve motor function, or "providing initial motor recovery". Surgical approach was described as either exploration of the brachial plexus (EBP) or nerve transfer without root exploration (NTwoRE). Technique was categorized into transfers and non-transfers.

RESULTS

Thirty-six full-text articles were included. Initiation of rehabilitation was 22.26 days post-surgery. Twenty-eight studies were EBP, and six were NTwoRE. Of studies classifiable by aims, nine were "passive", nine were "active", and five were "providing initial motor recovery". Only 27.7% of EBP studies mentioned active therapy, while 75.0% of NTwoRE studies mentioned active therapy. The average age of patients in the EBP procedure category was 7.70 months, and NTwoRE was 17.76 months. Within transfers, the spinal accessory to suprascapular group was more likely to describe an active shoulder exercise therapy, whereas contralateral C7 group was more likely to describe "initial motor recovery", especially through the use of electrostimulation. All articles on electrostimulation recommended 15-20-minute daily treatment.

CONCLUSION

Information on rehabilitation is limited post-nerve surgery in NBPP. However, when mentioned, the aims of these therapies vary with respect to surgical approach and technique. The type of therapy to employ may be a multifaceted decision, involving factors such as patient age, initial deformity, and goals of the care team.

Intercostal nerve transfer in management of biceps and triceps co-contraction in brachial plexus birth palsy

OBJECTIVE

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is often caused by traction during birth. In some cases, reinnervation occurs during spontaneous recovery and it causes involuntary co-contraction between antagonistic muscles. When it comes up between the biceps and triceps muscles, smooth active motion of the elbow joint is impaired. We are presenting outcomes of intercostal nerve (ICN) to radial nerve transfer to minimize elbow motion abnormality due to co-contraction.

METHODS

We present five cases (two males and three females) of biceps and triceps co-contraction in BPBP patients treated from 2005 to 2018. The mean age at surgery was 9.36 years (range, 4.8-16.4 years). They were treated by ICNs transfer to motor branch of the radial nerve to the triceps muscle. Preoperative electromyography was done in all cases to confirm biceps and triceps co-contraction and to assess the contractile status of both muscles. A 10-s flexion extension test was done pre and postoperatively to assess the efficacy of our procedure.

RESULTS

The postop course was uneventful. No donor site morbidity or respiratory complications were recorded in any patient. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 83.9 months (range, 53.6-135.5 months). At the final follow-up, elbow flexion was M4 in the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading scale in all five patients and elbow extension was graded M4 or M4- in all five patients. There was significant increase in the 10 s flexion extension test results delineating the effectiveness of the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

ICNs transfer to motor branch of the radial nerve to the triceps muscle for management of biceps and triceps co-contraction in BPBP is a good option with minimal morbidity and good success rate.

Quantifying Patient-Initiated Upper Extremity Movement After Surgical Reconstruction for Adult Pan-Brachial Plexus Injury

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Determining functional recovery in adult patients with traumatic pan-brachial plexus injury (pBPI) is hampered by the fact that most outcome measures are collected in the clinical setting and may not reflect arm use in the real world. This study's objectives were to demonstrate the feasibility of using wearable motion sensor technology to quantify spontaneous arm movement in adult patients with pBPI after surgical reconstruction and report the time and intensity with which the affected arm was used.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with pBPI who underwent surgical reconstruction at least 2 years prior were included in this study. Study participants wore an accelerometer on bilateral arms for 7 days. The vector time (VT) and magnitude with which each arm moved were collected and divided by the same values collected from the uninjured arm to generate a ratio (VT and vector magnitude [VM], respectively) to quantify differences between the arms. Correlations between VT, VM, and patient demographic and physician-elicited clinical measures were calculated. Patients were enrolled at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan, and data analysis was performed at the University of Michigan.

RESULTS

Twelve patients had pan-avulsion injuries, and 17 patients had C5 rupture with C6-T1 avulsion injuries. All underwent nerve reconstruction with contralateral C7 or ipsilateral C5 nerve roots as donors. At mean 7.3 years after surgery, the mean VT ratio was 0.54 ± 0.13 and the mean VM ratio was 0.30 ± 0.13. Both VT and VM ratios were significantly correlated with patient employment and movements at the elbow and forearm.

CONCLUSION

Wearable motion detection technology can capture spontaneous, real-world movements of the arm in patients who have undergone surgical reconstruction for pBPI. Despite severe injuries, these patients are able to use their affected arm 50% of the time and with 30% of the intensity of their unaffected arm, which is positively correlated with return to work after injury. These data support the use of surgical reconstruction for pBPI.

Biofeedback training using a hybrid assistive limb after brachial plexus injury

This study investigated the use of an upper limb hybrid assistive limb for elbow flexion biofeedback training in recovery from brachial plexus injury in both the postoperative and chronic phases. No adverse events were observed in any patient.Level of evidence: IV.

Key Considerations for Nerve Transfer Rehabilitation After Surgical Reconstruction for Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Nerve transfer surgery is commonly used to treat patients with brachial plexus injuries. However, guidelines on postoperative rehabilitation are not clearly established. Nerve transfers require the patient to relearn how to recruit newly innervated muscle(s), which may not occur naturally or intuitively. Supervised therapy is a valuable resource to guide patients through their lengthy recovery (often >12 months) because target muscle strength is both obtained and functionally used in daily life. This article highlights 10 key principles that provide the foundation for rehabilitation following nerve transfer surgery after a brachial plexus injury. Due to the shortcomings of the current evidence base for nerve transfer rehabilitation, we have included our anecdotal experience to augment the existing literature. It is important to have a collaborative surgeon-therapist relationship to communicate regarding operative details, expected timelines for reinnervation, patient needs, and realistic expectations. We provide examples of how to tailor the exercise program to synergistically recruit both the donor and target muscle action, including how to appropriately advance exercises based on the current level of nerve return. We also discuss the role that fatigue plays in denervated muscle and how fatigue may affect the exercise demands placed on the target muscle during specific stages of recovery.

The Evolution of the Reconstructive Strategy for Elbow Flexion for Acute C5, C6 Brachial Plexus Injuries over Two Decades

BACKGROUND

 Over the course of the past two decades, improved outcomes following brachial plexus reconstruction have been attributed to newer nerve transfer techniques. However, key factors aside from surgical techniques have brought improved consistency to elbow flexion techniques in the latter decade.

METHODS

 One-hundred seventeen patients who underwent brachial plexus reconstruction from 1996 to 2006 were compared with 120 patients from 2007 to 2017. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively to assess the recovery time and of elbow flexion strength.

RESULTS

 In the first decade, nerve reconstruction methods included proximal nerve grafting, intercostal nerve transfer, and Oberlin-I transfer. In the second decade, newer methods such as double fascicular transfer and ipsilateral C7 division transfer to the anterior division of upper trunk were introduced. About 78.6% of the first decade group versus 87.5% of the second decade group were able to reach M3 flexion strength (p = 0.04), with shorter time recovery to reach M3 in the 2nd decade. About 59.8% of the first decade group versus 65.0% of the second decade group were able to reach M4 (p = 0.28), but no significant difference in time of recovery. In both groups, the double fascicular nerve transfer had the highest impact when introduced in the second decade. More precise magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques helped to diagnose the level of injury, the roots involved and evaluate the health of the donor nerves in preparation for intraplexus transfer.

CONCLUSION

 In addition to modified techniques in nerve transfers, (1) MRI-assisted evaluation and surgical exploration of the roots with (2) more judicious choice of donor nerves for primary nerve transfer were factors that ensured reliable and outcomes in the second decade.

A cut throat: a case of C5-C8 brachial plexus root transection providing evidence of T1 innervation of thumb and finger extensors

The T1 nerve root is not routinely thought of as innervating the extensors of the thumb and fingers. Work by Bertelli and Ghizoni proposed that the pattern of brachial plexus paralysis with intact hand function and thumb and finger extensors traditionally attributed to C5/6/7 root injury is in fact a C5/6/7/8 injury, with only T1 remaining intact - a 'T1 hand'. This case presents a 19-year-old male who was stabbed in the neck; exploratory surgery determined complete transection of the brachial plexus, with only the T1 nerve root remaining intact. Clinical examination demonstrated grade M4 pronation (with pronator quadratus), wrist extension (with extensor carpi ulnaris), thumb and finger extension (with extensor policis longus and brevis, extensor digitorum communis and extensor index proprius), wrist flexion (with palmaris longus), finger flexion (with flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus), thumb flexion (with flexor policis longus), and thenar and hypothenar muscles. Extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris were paralyzed. Triceps scored M2. This case provides unequivocal evidence that the T1 root provides significant innervation to the extrinsic thumb and finger extensors.

[Nerve Transfers in Children with Non-traumatic Amyoplasia]

BACKGROUND

The treatment of obstetric brachial plexus palsy through primary reconstruction and nerve transfers has been established in the past decades. In the case of non-traumatic diseases that lead to flaccid paralysis and the inability to move the extremities, such as transverse myelitis (TM) or arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), which can have a wide variety of causes, the focus has been on rehabilitative therapy so far, while surgical interventions have been used to a lesser extent, e. g., in the form of osteotomies or muscle transfers. Our aim is to establish nerve transfers as a surgical option to improve mobility in non-traumatic amyoplasia.

PATIENTS

This work presents the needs-adapted treatment of a total of 23 patients (aged 4 months to 64 months, 18 with AMC and 5 with TM) using nerve transfers on the upper extremity.

RESULTS

We were able to show that early nerve transfers in the upper extremity enabled the reanimation of muscles in both AMC and TM.

CONCLUSION

This work shows that the treatment of non-traumatic amyoplasia in children with selective nerve grafts is a successful method. Nerve transfers allow patients to gain or regain important functions for managing independent everyday life. The surgical methods have been established in the treatment of traumatic nerve injuries. They are well-known and can be carried out safely. We believe that this is an important treatment option for paediatric patients with paralysis associated with TM or AMC, which should also be known to the treating physicians.

Surgical reconstructions for adult brachial plexus injuries. Part II: Treatments for total arm type

Brachial plexus injuries (BPI) contribute not only to physical dysfunction but also to socioeconomic aspects and psychological disability. Patients with total arm-type BPI will lose not only the shoulder and elbow function but also the hand function, making reconstruction particularly challenging. Reconstructive procedures commonly include nerve repair, grafting, neurotization (nerve transfer), tendon transfer and free functional muscle transfer (FFMT). Although it is difficult to achieve prehensile hand function, most of patients with total arm-type BPI can be treated with satisfied outcomes. In addition to surgical techniques, comprehensive rehabilitation is another important factor for successful outcomes, and efficient communication can help to boost patient morale and eliminate uncertainty.

Brain plasticity in neonatal brachial plexus palsies: quantification and comparison with adults' brachial plexus injuries

PURPOSE

To compare two populations of brachial plexus palsies, one neonatal (NBPP) and the other traumatic (NNBPP) who underwent different nerve transfers, using the plasticity grading scale (PGS) for detecting differences in brain plasticity between both groups.

METHODS

To be included, all patients had to have undergone a nerve transfer as the unique procedure to recover one lost function. The primary outcome was the PGS score. We also assessed patient compliance to rehabilitation using the rehabilitation quality scale (RQS). Statistical analysis of all variables was performed. A p ≤ 0.050 set as criterion for statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 153 NNBPP patients and 35 NBPP babies (with 38 nerve transfers) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery of the NBPP group was 9 months (SD 5.42, range 4 to 23 months). The mean age of NNBPP patients was 22 years (SD 12 years, range 3 to 69). They were operated around sixth months after the trauma. All transfers performed in NBPP patients had a maximum PGS score of 4. This was not the case for the NNBPP population that reached a PGS score of 4 in approximately 20% of the cases. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The RQS was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSION

We found that babies with NBPP have a significantly greater capacity for plastic rewiring than adults with NNBPP. The brain in the very young patient can process the changes induced by the peripheral nerve transfer better than in adults.

Surgery for internal rotation contracture in infancy may obviate the need for brachial plexus nerve reconstruction: early experience

BACKGROUND

Shoulder internal rotation contracture and subluxation in the first year of life has long been recognized in some patients with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Surgical management of shoulder pathology has traditionally been undertaken following nerve reconstruction as necessary. In some patients; however, shoulder pathology may impair or obscure functional neuromuscular recovery of the upper extremity. As a proof of concept, we report a highly selected subset of patients with BPBI in whom shoulder surgery undertaken before one year of age obviated the need for neuroma resection and nerve grafting.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients with upper trunk BPBI who underwent shoulder surgery before one year of age from 2015 to 2018. Upper extremity motor function was evaluated with preoperative and postoperative Active Movement Scale scores, Cookie tests, and the requirement for subsequent neuroma resection and nerve grafting.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients with BPBI meeting the inclusion criteria underwent shoulder surgery (including a subscapularis slide and tendon transfers of the teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles) before 1 year of age. Preoperatively, no patients of the appropriate age passed the Cookie test for elbow flexion. Thirteen patients either passed the Cookie test or scored Active Movement Scale score 7 for elbow flexion at or before the last available follow-up undertaken at a median age of 3.4 [1.4, 5.2] years. One of those 13 patients underwent single fascicular distal nerve transfer to improve elbow flexion before subsequently passing the Cookie test. Two patients did not have sufficient follow-up to assess elbow flexion.

CONCLUSION

Although the exact role of shoulder surgery in infancy for BPBI remains to be defined, the findings from this study provide proof of concept that early, targeted surgical treatment of the shoulder may obviate the need for brachial plexus nerve reconstruction in a highly selected group of infants with BPBI.

[Contralateral C7 Nerve Transfer]

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.

A favourable suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfer: a case series of intercostal-to-musculocutaneous nerve transfer for brachial plexus injury

We review a nerve suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfers and report a case series involving patients with brachial plexus injury who underwent intercostal-to-musculocutaneous nerve transfer using this method.

Recovery of Shoulder, Elbow, and Forearm Movement After Nerve Reconstruction for Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is a relative dearth of published data with respect to recovery of upper extremity movement after nerve reconstruction for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). This study aimed to demonstrate long-term recovery of active range of motion (AROM) at the shoulder, elbow, and forearm after nerve reconstruction for NBPP and to compare that with patients managed nonoperatively.

METHODS

We interrogated a prospectively collected database of all patients evaluated for NBPP at a single institution from 2005 to 2020. AROM measurements for shoulder, elbow, and forearm movements were collected at every visit up to 5 years of follow-up and normalized between 0 and 1. We used generalized estimated equations to predict AROM for each movement within local age windows over 5 years and compared the operative and nonoperative cohorts at each age interval.

RESULTS

In total, >13 000 collected datapoints representing 425 conservatively and 99 operatively managed children were included for analysis. At 5 years, absolute recovery of AROM after nerve reconstruction was ∼50% for shoulder abduction and forward flexion, ∼65% for shoulder external rotation, and ∼75% for elbow flexion and forearm supination, with ∼20% loss of elbow extension AROM. Despite more limited AROM on presentation for the operative cohort, at 5 years, there was no significant difference between the groups in AROM for shoulder external rotation, elbow extension, or forearm supination, and, in Narakas grade 1-2 injury, shoulder abduction and forward flexion.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate recovery of upper extremity AROM after nerve surgery for NBPP. Despite more severe presenting injury, operative patients had similar recovery of AROM when compared with nonoperative patients for shoulder external rotation, elbow extension, forearm supination, and, for Narakas grade 1-2 injury, shoulder abduction and forward flexion.

Forearm Deformities in Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy - Patient Profile and Management Algorithm

Forearm deformities are often seen in children with severe birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP). They may be either a supination or a pronation deformity and both hinder normal use of the hand and parents often request for corrective surgery. However, the correction of these deformities can be challenging due to a paucity of options. Also, there is less information in literature on the management of forearm deformities in BBPP compared to the information with regard to nerve surgery or correction of shoulder deformities. This article presents a synopsis of incidence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and parental concerns related to these deformities. The decision-making considerations, management strategies and outcome expectations are also discussed. Patient selection is very crucial, and the treatment plan must be individualised depending on the disability, parental expectations and existing motor power in the involved limb. Correction of both the deformities have different considerations; however, effective correction of these deformities is immensely satisfactory to the patient/parents in terms of improved function and appearance of the limb. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

A Novel Method of Spinal Accessory Nerve Banking Using Silicone Catheter for Functioning Free Muscle Transfer

In secondary brachial plexus reconstruction, exploring an area that has already been operated on is challenging and time-consuming for a surgeon, especially in centers with a single-team approach. Due to their inertness and lack of adverse effects, silicone Foley catheters were used successfully during the reconstruction of flexor tendons. Based on the concept, we have achieved an acceptable functional outcome by banking the spinal accessory nerve in a silicon catheter for gracilis reanimation, which permits smooth dissection, maintains the length, and shortens the operating time for subsequent reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Versatility of the double fascicular transfer in reconstruction of elbow flexion paralysis: Intermediate term follow-up and patient-related outcome measures

OBJECTIVES

The use of fascicle transfers in the reconstruction of traumatic brachial plexus injury is well established, but limited evidence is available regarding their use in atraumatic elbow flexion paralysis. This retrospective case review aimed to verify whether median and ulnar fascicle transfers are similarly effective in atraumatic versus traumatic elbow flexion paralysis when measured using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, Brachial plexus Assessment Tool (BrAT) and Stanmore Percentage of Normal Elbow Assessment (SPONEA) scores at long-term follow-up.

METHODS

All median and ulnar fascicle transfer cases performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham between August 2007 and November 2018 were reviewed to compare the outcomes of transfers performed for traumatic and atraumatic indications. Data on patient demographics, mechanism and nature of injury, date of injury or symptom onset, date of operation, and other nerve transfers performed were collected. Outcome measures collected included the British MRC scale and two patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), BrAT and SPONEA.

RESULTS

In total, 34 patients with 45 median and ulnar fascicle transfers were identified. This included 27 traumatic and seven atraumatic brachial plexus insults. Thirty patients had sufficient follow-up to be included in MRC analysis and 17 patients had sufficient follow-up to be included in PROM analysis. No significant differences were found between traumatic and atraumatic subgroups for median MRC, BrAT, or SPONEA scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that nerve transfers might be considered effective reconstructive options in atraumatic pathology and provides validation for further research on the subject.

A Randomised Control Trial Comparing the Outcomes of Anterior with Posterior Approach for Transfer of Spinal Accessory Nerve to Suprascapular Nerve in Brachial Plexus Injuries

Background: In brachial plexus surgery, a key focus is restoring shoulder abduction through spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer using either the anterior or posterior approach. However, no published randomised control trials have directly compared their outcomes to date. Therefore, our study aims to assess motor outcomes for both approaches. Methods: This study comprises two groups of patients. Group A: anterior approach (29 patients), Group B: Posterior approach (29 patients). Patients were allocated to both groups using selective randomisation with the sealed envelope technique. Functional outcome was assessed by grading the muscle power of shoulder abductors using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Results: Five patients who were operated on by posterior approach had ossified superior transverse suprascapular ligament. In these cases, the approach was changed from posterior to anterior to avoid injury to SSN. Due to this reason, the treatment analysis was done considering the distribution as: Group A: 34, Group B: 24. The mean duration of appearance of first clinical sign of shoulder abduction was 8.16 months in Group A, whereas in Group B, it was 6.85 months, which was significantly earlier (p < 0.05). At the 18-month follow-up, both intention-to-treat analysis and as-treated analysis were performed, and there was no statistical difference in the outcome of shoulder abduction between the approaches for SAN to SSN nerve transfer. Conclusions: Our study found no significant difference in the restoration of shoulder abduction power between both approaches; therefore, either approach can be used for patients presenting early for surgery. Since the appearance of first clinical sign of recovery is earlier in posterior approach, therefore, it can be preferred for cases presenting at a later stage. Also, the choice of approach is guided on a case to case basis depending on clavicular fractures and surgeon preference to the approach. Level of Evidence: Level II (Therapeutic).

Brain plasticity and age after restoring elbow flexion with distal nerve transfers in neonatal brachial plexus palsy and nonneonatal traumatic brachial plexus injury using the plasticity grading scale

OBJECTIVE

Ulnar and/or median nerve fascicle to musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfers are used to restore elbow flexion following severe neonatal and nonneonatal brachial plexus injuries (BPIs). Restoring volitional control requires plastic changes in the brain. To date, whether the potential for plasticity is influenced by a patient's age remains unknown.

METHODS

Patients who had presented with a traumatic upper (C5-6 or C5-7) BPI were divided into two groups: neonatal brachial plexus palsies (NBPPs) and nonneonatal traumatic BPIs (NNBPIs). Both groups underwent ulnar or median nerve transfers to the MCN for elbow flexion restoration between January 2002 and July 2020. Only those who attained a British Medical Research Council strength rating of 4 were reviewed. The primary comparison between the two groups was the plasticity grading scale (PGS) score to determine the level of independence of elbow flexion (target) from forearm motor muscle movement (donors). The authors also assessed patient compliance with rehabilitation using a 4-point Rehabilitation Quality Scale. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify intergroup differences.

RESULTS

In total, 66 patients were analyzed: 22 with NBPP (mean age at surgery 10 months) and 44 with NNBPI (age range at surgery 3-67 years, mean 30.2 years; mean time to surgery 7 months, p < 0.001). All NBPP patients obtained a PGS grade of 4 at the final follow-up versus just 47.7% of NNBPI patients (mean 3.27, p < 0.001). On ordinal regression analysis, after nature of the injury was excluded because of excessive collinearity with age, age was the only significant predictor of plasticity (β = -0.063, p = 0.003). Median rehabilitation compliance scores were not statistically different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of plastic changes that occur for patients to regain volitional control over elbow flexion after upper arm distal nerve transfers following BPI is influenced by patient age, with complete plastic rewiring more likely in younger patients and virtually ubiquitous in infants. Older patients should be informed that elbow flexion after an ulnar or median nerve fascicle transfer to the MCN might require simultaneous wrist flexion.

Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Single-Center Study

Infants can sustain traction injury to brachial plexus nerves during birth, called brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). While spontaneous recovery is possible, upper extremity weakness can linger. We report our experience at a brachial plexus clinic from a retrospective chart review of infants with BPBI from September 2017 to September 2019. We determined Narakas Classification (NC) and Active Movement Scale (AMS) at predetermined follow-up points. Of 15 patients, 8 presented with NC-I, 5 with NC-II, and 2 with NC-III without Horner's syndrome. By 7 months, 3 had spontaneous recovery, and 4 achieved all and another 4 achieved most AMS5-7 scores. Eleven patients undergoing surgery had little-to-no improvement of shoulder abduction and shoulder external rotation AMS categories by 6 months. Our small sample size prevents us from making definitive conclusions but gave beneficial insight into our clinic barriers to follow-up, data collection, and collaboration with physical and occupational therapy.

Donor complications of contralateral C7 nerve transfer in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer is a reconstructive option in the upper limb when there are limited donor options. Promising results have been reported in the adult population but its role in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury (BPBI) is unclear. A major concern with this technique is the potential impact on the contralateral, unaffected limb. Our aim was to review the available literature on the use of this transfer in BPBI, to determine the incidence of short- and long-term deficits at the donor site.

METHODS

The relevant literature was identified from searches of Embase, Ovid Emcare and Ovid MEDLINE, for combinations of terms relating to CC7 nerve transfer and BPBI.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were included in this review, from the eight papers that were eligible for inclusion, from a total of 16 papers identified. Patient age ranged from three to 93 months and the shortest follow-up period was six months. Post-operative motor deficits at the donor site included reduced range of shoulder abduction; triceps weakness; and phrenic nerve palsy. All motor deficits recovered within six months. The only sensory deficit reported was reduced sensation in the median nerve distribution which, in all cases, resolved within four weeks. Finally, synchronous donor limb motion and sensation were reported in 46.6% of patients.

CONCLUSION

CC7 nerve transfer in BPBI appears to have few long-term donor limb complications. Sensory and motor deficits are reportedly transient. The impact of synchronous motion and sensation on upper limb function in this patient cohort is not yet known.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in obstetric brachial plexus injury: our experience with shoulder motion analysis

BACKGROUND

Obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) is a weakening or paralysis of the upper arm caused by brachial plexus injury followed by a muscle paralysis with severe repercussions on the movement of the shoulder joint following a progressive glenohumeral joint deformity. This case series analyzes the clinical and radiological outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in OBPI patients with a follow-up of 2 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OBPI patients with secondary end-stage glenohumeral arthritis were enrolled in the study and they were treated with RSA. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes [Range of Motion (ROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS)] were evaluated. A novel Shoulder motion analysis was carried out to investigate specific movement patterns of scapulothoracic movements in these patients. This study is a prospective cohort study.

RESULTS

Four Patients (M: F = 1:3) were enrolled in the study, the mean age was 49.3 years (+ 2.75), the mean OSS (Oxford Shoulder Score) decreased from 48.8 (± 2.5) preoperatively to 18.30 (± 2.78), the mean VAS (Visual Analog Scale) decreased from 7.25 (± 0.5) to 1.7 (± 0.3) in the follow up (∆% relative pain reduction:- 76.5%), Shoulder ROM obtained an improvement (p < 0.05) except for abduction and external rotation. The average follow-up time was 26.3 months (+- 4.5). Shoulder motion analysis showed a complete loss of the scapular tilting above 90 degrees of flexion compared to the typical one of standard RSA with a pattern shifted towards scapular retraction (engaging trapezius and rhomboid muscles) to compensate the loss of the posterior tilting.

CONCLUSIONS

RSA in OBPI patients demonstrated a significant improvement of pain symptoms and a moderate improvement in daily activities, anyway with a more appreciable quality of life over time even if the marked hypotrophy especially of the posterior shoulder muscles showed some limits in maintaining suspension of the upper limb and a minor external rotation, with an internal rotation attitude during the movements.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Case series.

Posterior Deltoid Function After Transfer of Branch to the Long Head Triceps Brachii of the Radial Nerve to the Anterior Branch of the Axillary Nerve

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of the posterior part of the deltoid after nerve transfer of the long head triceps branch of the radial nerve to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in patients with an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients diagnosed with an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury who underwent nerve transfer of the long head triceps muscle branch of the radial nerve to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in our institute between 2012 and 2017. Data on age, sex, the mechanism of injury, the pattern of injury, and operative treatment were collected from medical records. Preoperative and postoperative clinical examinations, including motor powers of shoulder abduction and extension according to Medical Research Council grading, were evaluated. At a minimum of 2 years after the operation, we evaluated the recovery of the posterior deltoid function using the swallow-tail test.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (84.6%) had recovery of posterior deltoid function confirmed by the swallow-tail test. There were 23 patients (88.5%) who achieved at least Medical Research Council grade 4 of shoulder abduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve transfer from the branch to the long head triceps to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve is an effective technique for restoring deltoid function in an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury. This technique can provide shoulder abduction and shoulder extension, which are the functions of the posterior deltoid muscle.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Prespinal Versus Conventional Hemicontralateral C7 Nerve Transfer in the Treatment of Total Brachial Plexus Roots Avulsion Injuries: A Retrospective Study With a Minimum Follow-Up Period of 4 Years

PURPOSE

Contralateral C7 (CC7)-to-median nerve transfer has been commonly used to restore hand function in brachial plexus injury. To shorten the nerve graft, the prespinal route was described and achieved direct coaptation when combined with humeral shortening osteotomy. The limb was positioned at 0° shoulder abduction and neutral head position. Given our concern about donor-site morbidity when harvesting the whole CC7 nerve and tension across the neurorrhaphy site after mobilization, we aimed to describe our modified prespinal route and compare its outcomes and complications with the conventional hemi-CC7 transfer.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2014, 39 patients with preganglionic total brachial plexus root avulsion injuries, with a minimum of 4 years of follow-up, were included. Overall, 20 and 19 patients underwent the conventional hemi-CC7-to-median nerve and hemi-CC7-to-lower trunk (LT) transfer through the modified prespinal route, respectively. The modified prespinal route was combined with bilateral clavicle shortening osteotomy to achieve direct coaptation to the LT at 45° shoulder abduction.

RESULTS

The modified prespinal route showed the median period to achieve ≥M3 hand grip assessed in clinical follow-up was shorter (26.5 months vs 45.5 months), and a higher proportion of patients achieved ≥M3 hand grip recovery (63% vs 30%). One patient experienced symptomatic phrenic nerve injury; however, the hemidiaphragm fully recovered after 6 months. The long-term donor-site complication rate was 2.6%, including one sensory abnormality, and no permanent donor-site weakness after hemi-CC7 harvesting was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified prespinal route combined with clavicle osteotomy allowed direct coaptation to the LT and did not require head immobilization. It may allow a higher proportion of patients to achieve ≥M3 hand grip more quickly than conventional hemi-CC7 transfer.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Effect of shorter nerve graft and selective motor branch of recipient nerve on nerve transfer surgery for elbow flexion in patients with brachial plexus injury

OBJECTIVE

The spinal accessory nerve (SAN) is commonly used as a donor nerve for reinnervation of elbow flexors in brachial plexus injury (BPI) reconstruction. However, no study has compared the postoperative outcomes between SAN-to-musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfer and SAN-to-nerve to biceps (NTB) transfer. Thus, this study aimed to compare the postoperative time to recovery of elbow flexors between the two groups.

METHODS

A total of 748 patients who underwent surgical treatment for BPI between 1999 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 233 patients were treated with nerve transfer for elbow flexion. Two techniques were used to harvest the recipient nerve: the standard dissection technique and the proximal dissection technique. The postoperative motor power of elbow flexion was assessed every month for 24 months using the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system. Survival and Cox regression analyses were used to compare the time to recovery (MRC grade ≥ 3) between the two groups.

RESULTS

Of the 233 patients who underwent nerve transfer surgery, there were 162 patients in the MCN group and 71 patients in the NTB group. At 24 months after surgery, the MCN group had a success rate of 74.1%, and the NTB group had a success rate of 81.7% (p = 0.208). When compared with the MCN group, the NTB group had a significantly shorter median time to recovery (19 months vs 21 months, p = 0.013). Only 11.1% of patients in the MCN group regained MRC grade 4 or 5 motor power 24 months after nerve transfer surgery compared with 39.4% patients in the NTB group (p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that the SAN-to-NTB transfer in combination with the proximal dissection technique was the only significant factor affecting time to recovery (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.46-3.72; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SAN-to-NTB transfer in combination with the proximal dissection technique is the preferred nerve transfer option for restoration of elbow flexion in traumatic pan-plexus palsy.

Lateral Displacement of the Phrenic Nerve in C5 Tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Nerve sheath tumors of the brachial plexus frequently distort the local anatomy, increasing the difficulty of safe exposure and resection. However, lateral displacement of the phrenic nerve has not been previously described. The purpose of this study was thus to illustrate the abnormal lateral displacement of the phrenic nerve in 2 cases of patients undergoing brachial plexus tumor resection and provide a possible mechanism for this observation.

METHODS

Two patients underwent surgical resection of clinically progressing C5 schwannomas. During exposure, the phrenic nerve was found to be significantly more superficial and lateral than typical. This structural relationship persisted even after complete resection of the lesion. Both patients did well postoperatively.

RESULTS

The phrenic nerve traverses along the anterolateral aspect of the anterior scalene. However, in these 2 cases of C5 nerve sheath tumors, the phrenic was found to be significantly more lateral and superficial than usual, draping across the medial aspect of the tumor. We believe that the C5-phrenic communicating branch may act as a functional tether that mobilizes the phrenic nerve laterally as the tumor grows. The mass effect on the anterior scalene by the underlying C5 tumor may further contribute to the anterolateral and superficial displacement of the nerve.

CONCLUSION

The phrenic nerve may be seen markedly more laterally and superficially displaced in cases of C5 nerve sheath tumors. It is important for surgeons who operate on lesions of the brachial plexus to be aware of this phenomenon.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Manual Muscle Testing to Identify Nerve Transfer Candidates in Children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis

BACKGROUND

Manual muscle testing is a mainstay of strength assessment despite not having been compared with intraoperative electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves.

METHODS

Intraoperative electrical stimulation served as the reference standard in evaluating predictive accuracy of the Active Movement Scale (AMS) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Retrospective consecutive sampling of all patients with AFM who underwent exploration or nerve transfer at a pediatric multidisciplinary brachial plexus and peripheral nerve center from March of 2016 to July of 2020 were included. The nonparametric area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Optimal cutoff score (Youden J ) and diagnostic accuracy values were reported. The AMS and MRC scale were directly compared for predictive superiority.

RESULTS

A total of 181 upper extremity nerves (73 donor nerve candidates and 108 recipient nerve candidates) were tested intraoperatively from 40 children (mean age ± SD, 7.9 ± 4.9 years). The scales performed similarly ( P = 0.953) in classifying suitable donor nerves with satisfactory accuracy (AUC AMS , 71.5%; AUC MRC , 70.7%; optimal cutoff, AMS >5 and MRC >2). The scales performed similarly ( P = 0.688) in classifying suitable recipient nerves with good accuracy (AUC AMS , 92.1%; AUC MRC :, 94.9%; optimal cutoff, AMS ≤3 and MRC ≤1).

CONCLUSIONS

Manual muscle testing is an accurate, noninvasive means of identifying donor and recipient nerves for transfer in children with acute flaccid myelitis. The utility of these results is in minimizing unexpected findings in the operating room and aiding in the development of contingency plans. Further research may extend these findings to test the validity of manual muscle testing as an outcome measure of the success of nerve transfer.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, I.

Shoulder extension impairment with residual neonatal brachial plexus injury

BACKGROUND

Impairment of both shoulder extension and behind-the-back function are common in patients with residual neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI), but have scarcely been studied or reported in the literature. Behind-the-back function is classically evaluated using the hand-to-spine task used for the Mallet score. Angular measurements of shoulder extension with residual NBPI have generally been studied utilizing kinematic motion laboratories. To date, no validated clinical examination method for this has been described.

METHODS

Intraobserver and interobserver reliability analyses of 2 shoulder extension angles-passive glenohumeral extension (PGE) and active shoulder extension (ASE)-were performed. Afterwards, a retrospective clinical study was conducted on prospectively collected data on 245 children with residual BPI treated from January 2019 through August 2022. Demographic characteristics, level of palsy, previous surgical procedures, modified Mallet score, and bilateral PGE and ASE data were analyzed.

RESULTS

All inter- and intraobserver agreements were excellent, ranging from 0.82 to 0.86. The median patient age was 8.1 years (3.5-21). Among the 245 children, 57.6% had Erb's palsy, 28.6% extended Erb's palsy, and 13.9% global palsy. One hundred sixty-eight (66%) of the children could not touch their lumbar spine, among whom 26.2% (n = 44) had to swing the arm to reach it. Both the degrees of ASE and PGE achieved correlation significantly with the hand-to-spine score, the ASE strongly (r = 0.705) and the PGE weakly (r = 0.372) (both P < .0001). Significant correlations also were found between lesion level and the hand-to-spine Mallet score (r = -0.339; P < .0001) and ASE (r = -0.299; P < .0001), and between patient age and the PGE (P = .0416, r = -0.130). A statistically significant decrease in PGE and incapacity to reach the spine were found in patients who underwent glenohumeral reduction, shoulder tendon transfer, or humeral osteotomy, relative to those who had microsurgery or no surgery. Receiver operating curves showed that, for both PGE and ASE, the minimum extension angle required to successfully perform the hand-to-spine task was 10°, with sensitivity levels of 69.9 and 82.2, and specificity levels of 69.5 and 87.8 (both P < .0001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Glenohumeral flexion contracture and lost ASE are extremely common in children with residual NBPI. Both the PGE and ASE angles can be measured reliably with a clinical exam, with at least 10° of PGE and ASE necessary to perform the hand-to-spine Mallet task.

Staged Phrenic Nerve Elongation and Free Functional Gracilis Muscle Transplantation-A Possible Option for Late Reconstruction in Chronic Brachial Plexus Injury

PURPOSE

In patients with late brachial plexus birth injuries, sequelae after acute flaccid myelitis, or chronic adult brachial plexus injury, donor nerves for functioning muscle transplantation are often scarce. We present the results of a potential strategy using the phrenic nerve with staged free gracilis transplantation for upper extremity reanimation in these scenarios.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on an institutional database of brachial plexus injury or patients with palsy. All patients underwent a staged reconstruction in which the ipsilateral phrenic nerve was extended by an autogenous nerve graft (PhNG), followed by free-functioning gracilis transplantation (PhNG-gracilis).

RESULTS

Nine patients (6 cases of late brachial plexus birth injuries, 2 of acute flaccid myelitis, and 1 of adult chronic brachial plexus injury) were included in this study. The median follow-up period following the PhNG-gracilis procedure was 27 months (range, 12-72 months). The goals of the staged PhNG and PhNG-gracilis were primarily finger extension or finger flexion. In some patients, the technique was used to improve both elbow and finger function, tunneling the muscle through the flexor compartment of the upper arm and under the mobile wad at the elbow. All patients exhibited improvement of muscle strength, including in finger extension (4 patients) from M0 to M2; finger flexion (3 patients) from M0 to M3; elbow extension (1 patient) from M0 to M2; and elbow flexion (1 patient) from M2 to M4.

CONCLUSIONS

A 2-stage PhNG-gracilis may restore or enhance the residual elbow and/or finger paralysis in chronic brachial plexus injuries. A minimum follow-up period of 3 years is recommended. This technique may remain useful as one of the last reconstructive options to increase power in patients with scarce donor nerves.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic V.

Resolving Co-Contraction of the Elbow in Patient with Sequelae of Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy can cause deformities of the upper extremity in up to 92% of patients. Elbow reconstruction is difficult because co-contraction of the elbow flexor (EF) and elbow extensor (EE) muscles makes the traditional treatment strategy ineffective. The authors propose a novel strategy to minimize the effect of co-contraction, comprising transfer of an EF to the triceps and a staged gracilis muscle transplantation [functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT)] to augment EF. The authors hypothesize this will lead to improved elbow flexion and extension, as well as decreased elbow flexion contracture.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of patients who received a gracilis FFMT for EF after EF-to-EE transfer was performed. EF/EE strength and range of motion data were collected from the last clinical visit. Patients were excluded if they had fewer than 1.5 years of follow-up. A control group with sequelae of obstetric brachial plexus palsy and nonsurgical treatment was used for comparison.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were included. Average age at muscle transfer was 7.6 ± 5.5 years (range, 3 to 22 years) and at gracilis FFMT was 10.4 ± 6.0 years (range, 5 to 26 years). Average follow-up was 7.3 ± 6.5 years (range, 1.5 to 14.8 years). After EF-to-EE transfer, EE strength increased significantly from Medical Research Council grade 2.2 ± 0.4 to 3.4 ± 0.5 ( P < 0.0001) and EF decreased from 3.2 ± 1.1 to 1.1 ± 1.1 ( P < 0.0001) and recovered to grade 3.3 ± 0.7 after gracilis FFMT. EF contracture was significantly lower compared with that in the nonsurgical cohort ( P = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

Patients who undergo EF-to-EE transfer followed by gracilis FFMT have equivalent EF strength with significantly improved EE and improved elbow flexion contracture.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Long-term functional recovery in C5-C6 avulsions treated with distal nerve transfers

BACKGROUND

In patients suffering from traction lesions of the brachial plexus, complete C5 and/or C6 root avulsion patients with C7 root preservation are relatively uncommon occurrences, but represent excellent candidates for surgical treatment, with satisfactory results. Shoulder abduction and extra-rotation, elbow flexion and forearm supination are lost functions restorable with surgical treatment.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective observational study involved a series of 27 young adults with C5 and/or C6 root complete avulsion and C7 preservation, which underwent surgical repair with double or triple nerve transfer.

RESULTS

Patients recovered a useful elbow flexion. Electromyographic and clinical signs of biceps reinnervation were observed in each UN-MC nerve transfer. The abduction strength recovery was M5 in 10 patients, M4 in 14 patients and M3 in 3 patients. The external rotation strength recovery was M5 in 4 patients, M4 in 18 patients, M3 in 3 patients and M2 in 2 patients. The elbow flection strength was M5 in 5 patients, M4 in 15 patients and M3 in 7 patients. Elbow extension was preserved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of 'peripheral rewiring procedures' represents an advance in the repair of the peripheral nerve injuries. Triple nerve transfer can be nowadays considered a standard treatment for isolated C5-C6 avulsions. We report our experience with the second-biggest casuistry in the literature on patients treated with this technique. We consider our outcome concerning functional recovery to be satisfying and comparable to data reported in the literature.

Phrenic Nerve as an Alternative Donor for Nerve Transfer to Restore Shoulder Abduction in Severe Multiple Root Injuries of the Adult Brachial Plexus

PURPOSE

Nerve transfer is the gold standard to restore shoulder abduction in acute brachial plexus injuries. The aim of this study was to compare the phrenic nerve (Ph) to the spinal accessory nerve (XI) as the donor nerve for this purpose.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 136 patients with acute brachial plexus injuries who received a nerve transfer of the shoulder with either the Ph (94 patients) or XI (42 patients). Each group was divided into 3 subgroups based on the recipient nerve. The maximum degree of shoulder abduction was recorded after 2 years of postoperative follow-up. A generalized estimating equation model was performed to examine the variables affecting shoulder abduction over time.

RESULTS

The maximum degrees of shoulder abduction achieved were 61.9° ± 38.7° in patients with Ph and 51.1° ± 37.3° in patients with XI. More than M3 shoulder abduction was achieved by 67% of patients with Ph versus 59% of patients with XI. The regression analysis showed that the age at the time of surgery correlated more with the functional outcome over time than the choice of donor nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

In multiple root brachial plexus injuries, the Ph exhibited similar outcomes to the XI for shoulder abduction. Our routine exploration of the supraclavicular plexus exposes the Ph conveniently for nerve transfer. The phrenic nerve should be considered as an alternative when the XI is not available or is reserved for secondary reconstruction.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Age Influence Upon Glenohumeral Remodeling After Shoulder Axial Rebalancing Surgery in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

BACKGROUND

Shoulder rebalancing procedures have been proven to provide satisfactory functional improvements in patients with shoulder external rotation (ER) deficit due to brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). However, the influence of age at the time of surgery on osteoarticular remodeling remains uncertain. The purposes of this retrospective case series were (1) to assess the age impact on glenohumeral remodeling and (2) to determine an age limit after which significant changes can no longer be expected.

METHODS

We reviewed preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging data of 49 children with BPBI who underwent a tendon transfer to reanimate active shoulder ER, with (n=41) or without (n=8) concomitant anterior shoulder release to restore passive shoulder ER, at a mean age of 72 ± 40 months (19;172). Mean radiographic follow-up was 35 ± 20 months (12;95). Univariate linear regressions were used to assess the influence of age at the time of surgery upon changes of glenoid version, glenoid shape, percentage of the humeral head anterior to the glenoid midline, and glenohumeral deformity. Beta coefficients with 95% CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Improvements of glenoid version, glenoid shape, percentage of the humeral head anterior and glenohumeral deformity significantly decreased by 0.19 degrees [CI=(-0.31; -0.06), P =0.0046], 0.02 grade [CI=(-0.04; -0.01), P =0.002], 0.12% [CI=(-0.21; -0.04), P =0.0076], and 0.01 grade [CI=(-0.02; -0.01), P =0.0078] per additional month of age at the time of surgery, respectively. The threshold of 5 years was identified as the age at the time of surgery after which significant remodeling no longer occurred. No significant postoperative changes were observed in patients without glenohumeral dysplasia on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of BPBI-related glenohumeral dysplasia, the younger the surgical axial rebalancing of the shoulder, the greater the glenohumeral remodeling seems to be. Such procedure seems to be safe in patients without significant joint deformity on preoperative imaging.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic-Level IV.

Static and Dynamic Stabilization of the Shoulder After Total Scapulectomy in an Electric Burn Patient

ABSTRACT

An otherwise healthy 49-year-old man experienced a high-voltage electrical injury to the left shoulder resulting in total scapulectomy, partial calviculectomy, and a substantial soft tissue defect. The majority of the muscles around his shoulder were debrided because of necrosis, with only the pectoralis and latissimus dorsi muscles remaining attached to the humerus. Surprisingly, the patient's brachial plexus remained intact, and his left elbow, wrist, and hand function were preserved. A novel combination of 3 static and dynamic suspension techniques were used to stabilize his shoulder and prevent traction injury to the brachial plexus. Postoperative follow-up at 1 year demonstrated excellent stability of his reconstructed shoulder, which allowed him to ambulate independently and return to employment.

Is it possible to follow the risk of rupture after end-to-end nerve repairs in brachial plexus surgery? Technical note

OBJECTIVE

In traumatic and obstetric brachial plexus injuries, removal of the damaged nerve, repair with the nerve grafts, and nerve transfers are mostly preferred techniques. Success is directly proportional to surgical technique as it is known that end-to-end repair of the peripheral nerves gives better results. The greatest risk in end-to-end repair is the nerve rupture at the brachial plexus repair region and this cannot be detected by conventional radiological techniques.

METHODS

Brachial plexus injuries of obstetrical and traumatic patients were operated. If possible and at least one nerve was repaired end to end, follow-up of nerve continuity was done by titanium hemopclip insertion to both sides of the nerve repair area. A new technique nerve repair site marking was developed and end-to-end nerve repair continuity was followed simply by x-ray.

RESULTS

This technique was used for end-to-end nerve coaptions of 38 obstetric and 40 traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Follow-up was done for 6 weeks. Every week patients sent the x-ray of the repair site. Only 3 patients had nerve repair site rupture, and revision surgery was done immediately.

CONCLUSION

Nerve repair site marking technique and follow-up with only x-ray is a simple reliable, safe, and cheap method that can be applied to any end-to-end nerve repair. This technique has no morbidity or side effects. The aim of the study is to summarize or explain the nerve repair site marking technique used in the brachial plexus region.