Haodong Lin1, Duanqing Lv, Chunlin Hou, Desong Chen. 1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.
Abstract
OBJECT: Contralateral C-7 transfer is often used in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injury. Traditionally, the contralateral C-7 root has only been transferred to a single nerve, such as the median or radial nerve. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy of contralateral C-7 transfer to 2 different recipient nerves in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injuries. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, 10 patients with brachial plexus root avulsions underwent nerve reconstruction using a modified C-7 neurotization technique. In this procedure, the contralateral C-7 root was transferred via vascularized ulnar nerve grafts to both the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve on the affected side. RESULTS: The strength of the biceps muscles increased to M3 or M4 in 6 patients and to M2 in 2 patients. The median nerve transfers led to regained motor function and strength of the wrist and finger flexors with improvement to M3 in 5 patients. Seven patients showed notable gains of sensory function (≥ S3). CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral C-7 transfer to 2 different recipient nerves is a feasible and efficient approach in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injuries when the donor nerve is limited.
OBJECT: Contralateral C-7 transfer is often used in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injury. Traditionally, the contralateral C-7 root has only been transferred to a single nerve, such as the median or radial nerve. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy of contralateral C-7 transfer to 2 different recipient nerves in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injuries. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, 10 patients with brachial plexus root avulsions underwent nerve reconstruction using a modified C-7 neurotization technique. In this procedure, the contralateral C-7 root was transferred via vascularized ulnar nerve grafts to both the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve on the affected side. RESULTS: The strength of the biceps muscles increased to M3 or M4 in 6 patients and to M2 in 2 patients. The median nerve transfers led to regained motor function and strength of the wrist and finger flexors with improvement to M3 in 5 patients. Seven patients showed notable gains of sensory function (≥ S3). CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral C-7 transfer to 2 different recipient nerves is a feasible and efficient approach in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injuries when the donor nerve is limited.