[Results of surgery of nerve trunks in the treatment of post-traumatic brachial plexus paralysis].

Between 1972 and 1985, 256 patients with a brachial plexus injury were operated on in our institution. One hundred fifty-nine post-traumatic injuries, with a minimal follow-up of 2 years for partial palsies and 3 years for complete palsies were reviewed. Clinical examination is particularly important, and CT scan combined with myelography and more recently Magnetic Resonance Imaging ensures exact assessment of the lesions. The operative procedure is described, depending on the level and the number of injured nerve roots. Eighty-six fascicular grafts, 9 trunk grafts and 35 nerve transfers were performed. In 40 cases a neurolysis only was performed. Results were analyzed: at follow-up a motor and sensory recovery was observed in 70% of cases allowing to relieve the pain and to improve the function of the limb. The operation must therefore be performed at the appropriate time according to the most appropriate procedure depending on the number of usable roots. Secondary palliative transfers also help to improve function.