Restoration of Elbow Flexion by Transfer of the Phrenic Nerve to Musculocutaneous Nerve after Brachial Plexus Injuries

Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are a devastating injury that results in partial or total denervation of the muscles of the upper extremity. Treatment options that include neurolysis, nerve grafting, or neurotization (nerve transfer) has become an important procedure in the restoration of function in patients with irreparable preganglionic lesions. Restoration of elbow flexion is the primary goal in treating patients with severe brachial plexus injuries. Nerve transfers are used when spinal roots are avulsed, and proximal stumps are not available. In the present study, we analyze the results obtained in 20 patients treated with phrenic–musculocutaneous nerve transfer to restore elbow flexion after brachial plexus injuries. A consecutive series of 25 adult patients (21 men and 4 women) with a brachial plexus traction/crush lesion were treated with phrenic–musculocutaneous nerve transfer, but only 20 patients (18 men and 2 women) were followed and evaluated for at least 2 years postoperatively. All patients had been referred from other institutions. At the initial evaluation, eight patients received a diagnosis of C5-6 brachial plexus nerve injury, and in the other 12 patients, a complete brachial plexus injury was identified. Reconstruction was undertaken if no clinical or electrical evidence of biceps muscle function was seen by 3 months post injury. Functional elbow flexion was obtained in the majority of cases by phrenic–musculocutaneous nerve transfer (14/20, 70%). At the final follow-up evaluation, elbow flexion strength was a Medical Research Council Grade 5 in two patients, Grade 4 in four patients, Grade 3 in eight patients, and Grade 2 or less in six patients. Transfer involving the phrenic nerve to restore elbow flexion seems to be an appropriate approach for the treatment of brachial plexus root avulsion. Traumatic brachial plexus injury is a devastating injury that result in partial or total denervation of the muscles of the upper extremity. Treatment options include neurolysis, nerve grafting, or neurotization (nerve transfer). Neurotization is the transfer of a functional but less important nerve to a denervated more important nerve. It has become an important procedure in the restoration of function in patients with irreparable preganglionic lesions. Restoration of elbow flexion is the primary goal in treating patients with severe brachial plexus injuries. Nerve transfers are used when spinal roots are avulsed, and proximal stumps are not available. Newer extraplexal sources include the ipsilateral phrenic nerve as reported by Gu et al. (Chin Med J 103:267–270, 1990) and contralateral C7 as reported by Gu et al. (J Hand Surg [Br] 17(B):518–521, 1992) and Songcharoen et al. (J Hand Surg [Am] 26(A):1058–1064, 2001). These nerve transfers have been introduced to expand on the limited donors. The phrenic nerve and its anatomic position directly within the surgical field makes it a tempting source for nerve transfer. Although not always, in cases of complete brachial plexus avulsion, the phrenic nerve is functioning as a result of its C3 and C4 major contributions. In the present study, we analyze the results obtained in 20 patients treated with phrenic–musculocutaneous nerve transfer to restore elbow flexion after brachial plexus injuries.     

膈神经移位修复下干后股重建臂丛撕脱伤伸肘及伸指功能的中期随访

 目的 观察膈神经移位修复下干后股重建臂丛神经撕脱伤伸肘、伸指、伸拇功能的效果。方法 2005年6月至2008年12月采用膈神经移位修复下干后股重建43例臂丛神经撕脱伤患者的伸肘及伸指功能,男36例,女7例;年龄4~44岁,平均(23.5±9.9)岁。受伤至手术时间1~12个月,平均(3.7±1.9)个月。其中全臂丛神经撕脱伤32例,中下干撕脱伴上干部分损伤或正常5例,C6~T1神经根撕脱伴C5椎孔外断裂或部分损伤6例。取锁骨上、下臂丛神经探查联合切口,显露下干后股,向近端干支分离后切断。将后侧束、桡神经向远端游离,切断后侧束的其他分支。将下干后股、后侧束及桡神经上提,膈神经在胸廓上口内切断,将膈神经与下干后股吻合。膈神经与下干后股直接吻合33例,通过腓肠神经桥接10例。结果 全部病例获得随访,随访时间36~73个月,平均(39.7±7.1)个月。伸肘、伸指、伸拇肌力达到3或以上的比例分别为81.6%、41.9%、39.5%。结论 膈神经移位修复下干后股,其伸肘功能恢复满意,伸指、伸拇功能的恢复仍需进一步改善。     

Microsurgery in brachial plexus lesions

Twenty-two patients with brachial plexus lesions were reviewed 3-6 years after microsurgical repair. Four patients underwent nerve transfer between intercostal nerves and the musculocutaneous nerve. None of these achieved useful elbow flexion. Nerve grafting mainly in the upper part of the plexus was performed in six patients of whom five recovered a useful motor function in at least one important area. Twelve patients underwent neurolysis; useful motor function in at least one important area was achieved in eight. We conclude that microsurgical treatment of brachial plexus lesions is useful in lesions of the upper part of the plexus, distal to the dorsal root ganglion.     

正中神经束支移位重建屈肘功能

目的 探讨正中神经束支移位重建屈肘功能的临床疗效,观察供体神经的变化.方法 在臂丛神经上干损伤屈肘功能障碍时,应用正中神经部分束支移位与肌皮神经肱二头肌支吻合重建屈肘功能14例,并进行10～36个月的随访.根据肱二头肌肌力和肘关节活动范围评定术后疗效.结果 本组优9例,可3例,差2例.影响手术疗效的因素有年龄、损伤距手术时间、臂丛神经损伤的程度、神经吻合的质量,以及功能锻炼的方式方法.手术前后供体神经功能没有明显变化.结论 正中神经部分束支移位重建屈肘功能是治疗臂丛神经上干损伤的一种简便、安全、疗效可靠的治疗方法.     

同侧颈7移位修复臂丛上干不全损伤的疗效与背阔肌功能的关系

目的：分析用同侧颈7移位治疗臂丛上干不全损伤的疗效与背阔肌功能的关系，方法：1997例3月至2000年9月，对9例臂丛神经上干损伤或上，中干不全损伤伴膈神经损伤患者采用同侧颈7移位于上干前股以恢复屈肘功能，术前检查伤侧背阔肌肌力，并在术后分析疗效时观察同侧颈7移位与背阔肌肌力的关系。结果：6例术前背阔肌肌力正常者作同侧颈7移位于上干前股后，伤侧屈肘功能均得到恢复，3例术前背阔肌肌力减退或肌力消失者，术后屈肘功能均未恢复。结论：臂丛神经上，中干不全损伤时如伤侧背阔肌肌力减退或肌力消失时，不应选择同侧颈7作动力神经。     

膈神经移位治疗臂丛损伤的临床应用和早期疗效

目的探讨膈神经移位至肌皮神经重建屈肘功能的临床应用及早期疗效。方法对8例臂丛根性撕脱伤行膈神经移位术，膈神经与上干前股的肌皮神经束直接吻合5例，膈神经通过神经移植桥接至肌皮神经3例，术后随访评定其屈肘功能。结果8例经10月-2年随访，肱二头肌肌力在2级以上5例，有效率62．5％。结论膈神经移位术是治疗臂丛根性撕脱伤的理想术式，重视术前和术中膈神经功能的评估、神经移位时吻合方法的合理选择和术后综合康复锻炼是提高手术疗效关键。     

Restoration of elbow flexion in root lesions of brachial plexus injuries.

A retrospective review of 87 patients with loss of elbow flexion secondary to root injuries of the brachial plexus was carried out. Results of nerve grafting, direct nerve transfer with the intercostal nerve, or tendon transfer were analyzed, and treatment recommendations were developed. Nerve transfer provided good or excellent results for injuries that included avulsion of the C5 and/or C6 roots. Nerve grafts were used successfully in cases of single or combined ruptures of C5 and C6. Tendon transfers provided good or excellent results in C5-C6 or C5-C7 avulsions, where nerve grafting was not possible and transferable muscles had good strength. Somatosensory evoked potentials were necessary to demonstrate nerve root avulsions in cases in which the roots appeared ruptured on visual inspection.     

Use of intercostal nerves for different target neurotization in brachial plexus reconstruction

Intercostal nerve transfer is a valuable procedure in devastating plexopathies. Intercostal nerves are a very good choice for elbow flexion or extension and shoulder abduction when the intraplexus donor nerves are not available. The best results are obtained in obstetric brachial plexus palsy patients, when direct nerve transfer is performed within six months from the injury. Unlike the adult posttraumatic patients after median and ulnar nerve neurotization with intercostal nerves, almost all obstetric brachial plexus palsy patients achieve protective sensation in the hand and some of them achieve active wrist and finger flexion. Use in combination with proper muscles, intercostal nerve transfer can yield adequate power to the paretic upper limb. Reinnervation of native muscles (i.e., latissimus dorsi) should always be sought as they can successfully be transferred later on for further functional restoration.     

正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术重建屈肘功能的远期疗效分析

目的 观察正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位重建屈肘功能的远期疗效,总结其手术适应证的影响疗效的因素。方法 对36例患者进行平均为29．2个月的长期随访,按结果评定手术疗效并分析影响疗效的主要因素。结果 手术有效率达94．4％,优良率达63．9％。影响手术疗效的6个主要因素为：损伤类型、受伤原因、手术距受伤时间、患者年龄、供体神经的选择及术后功能锻炼。准确判断患者的损伤类型,严格掌握手术适应证是手术成功的关键。结论 正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术是治疗臂丛神经上干型根性撕脱伤的一种安全、可靠而有效的手术方法。     

Transfer of the intercostal nerves to the nerve of the long head of the triceps to recover elbow extension in brachial plexus palsy

Restoration of elbow flexion is the first goal in brachial plexus injuries. The current procedures using nerve grafts and nerve transfers authorize more extensive repairs, with different possible targets: shoulder, elbow extension, and hand. Elbow extension is important to stabilize the elbow without the contralateral hand and allows achieving a useful grasp. The transfer of the intercostal nerves to the nerve of the long head of the triceps may restore this function in brachial plexus palsies. Furthermore, in case of C5 to C7 palsy, this transfer spares the radial nerve and gives a chance to spontaneous triceps recovery by the reinnervation from C8 root. Moreover, in case of absence or insufficient (M0 to M2 according to Medical Research Council scoring) recovery of elbow flexion strength by nerve surgery, the reinnervated triceps can be transferred. We present the technique of intercostal nerve transfer to the long head of the triceps branch to restore elbow extension in brachial plexus palsy. Results concerning 10 patients are presented.     

Transfer of the nerve to the brachioradialis muscle to the anterior interosseous nerve for treatment for lower brachial plexus lesions: case report

In lower lesions of the brachial plexus (C8-T1) there is good function of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, although that of the hand is impaired. Reconstruction of finger flexion is generally obtained by tendon transfer. We present a case report involving transfer of the motor nerve branch of the brachioradialis muscle to the anterior interosseous nerve to restore finger flexion in acute lower brachial plexus lesion.     

椎管内外神经根移位整体化治疗臂丛神经根性撕脱伤的实验研究

目的：研究臂丛神经根性撕脱伤后,椎管内、外神经根移位治疗臂丛神经根性撕脱伤的疗效。方法随机选取SD大鼠60只,随机分为实验组及对照组。实验组采用椎管内C5,C6神经根原位修复及健侧C7神经移位修复C8,T1神经根治疗臂丛根性撕脱伤;对照组为膈神经修复肌皮神经,副神经修复肩胛上神经,健侧C7移位修复C8,T1神经根治疗臂丛根性撕脱伤。术后6个月时取材,进行电生理检测,肌肉湿重的测量,肌肉纤维横截面积的检测,HE染色检测观察肌纤维数量,电镜观察神经纤维数量及神经直径。结果实验组神经损伤修复6个月时,其肌肉湿重、肌肉纤维横截面积、肌肉运动诱发电位恢复率、神经生长情况优于对照组。结论椎管内神经根原位修复及椎管外神经根移位整体化治疗臂丛神经根性撕脱伤,无论从肌肉湿重、还是肌肉纤维横截面积比率,或者肌肉运动诱发电位及再生神经生长情况等方面,都取得了良好的效果。     

正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术重建屈肘功能

目的 观察正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术的临床疗效及手术前后供体神经功能的变化,分析影响手术疗效的因素。方法 应用正中神经、尺神经部分束支移接给肱二头肌肌支治疗臂丛神经上千型根性撕脱伤,重建屈肘功能。对施行手术的36例患者进行6个月至5年多的随访,根据肱二头肌肌力和肘关节主动活动范围,将患者术后恢复情况分为三级：优：肱二头肌肌力达4级以上,肘关节屈曲达90度以上;可：肱二头肌肌力达3级,肘关节屈曲达60～90度;差：肱二头肌肌力2级以下,肘关节屈曲60度以下。分析影响疗效的几种因素。结果 手术疗效显著,有效率(肱二头肌肌力3级以上)达94．4％,优良率(肱二头肌肌力4级以上)达63．9％。手术前后供体神经功能没有明显变化。影响手术疗效的主要因素有：损伤类型、损伤原因、手术距损伤的间隔时间、患者年龄、供体神经的选择及术后功能锻炼。准确判断患者的损伤类型,严格掌握手术适应证是手术成功的关键。结论 正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术是治疗臂丛神经上千型根性撕脱伤的一种安全、可靠、有效的手术方法。     

Nerve repairs for traumatic brachial plexus palsy with root avulsion

Thirty-six patients with traumatic brachial plexus lesions and root avulsions were treated surgically between 1972 and 1986 and were followed for more than 24 months (average, 42.6 months). Neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve with intercostal nerves or the spinal accessory nerve resulted in satisfactory elbow flexion in 21 of the 33 cases (64%). Combined nerve repairs (i.e., intercostal and spinal accessory neurotization of the terminal branch of the brachial plexus in combination with nerve grafts from the upper spinal nerves of the brachial plexus) created a useful function in at least one functional level of the upper limb for 11 of the 15 cases so treated. Nerve repairs resulted in stability of the shoulder and elbow function controllable with a sensible hand for patients with root avulsion injury of the brachial plexus.     

Comparative study of phrenic nerve transfers with and without nerve graft for elbow flexion after global brachial plexus injury

Background

Nerve transfer is a valuable surgical technique in peripheral nerve reconstruction, especially in brachial plexus injuries. Phrenic nerve transfer for elbow flexion was proved to be one of the optimal procedures in the treatment of brachial plexus injuries in the study of Gu et al.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare phrenic nerve transfers with and without nerve graft for elbow flexion after brachial plexus injury.

Methods

A retrospective review of 33 patients treated with phrenic nerve transfer for elbow flexion in posttraumatic global root avulsion brachial plexus injury was carried out. All the 33 patients were confirmed to have global root avulsion brachial plexus injury by preoperative and intraoperative electromyography (EMG), physical examination and especially by intraoperative exploration. There were two types of phrenic nerve transfers: type1 – the phrenic nerve to anterolateral bundle of anterior division of upper trunk (14 patients); type 2 – the phrenic nerve via nerve graft to anterolateral bundle of musculocutaneous nerve (19 patients). Motor function and EMG evaluation were performed at least 3 years after surgery.

Results

The efficiency of motor function in type 1 was 86%, while it was 84% in type 2. The two groups were not statistically different in terms of Medical Research Council (MRC) grade (p = 1.000) and EMG results (p = 1.000). There were seven patients with more than 4 month's delay of surgery, among whom only three patients regained biceps power to M3 strength or above (43%). A total of 26 patients had reconstruction done within 4 months, among whom 25 patients recovered to M3 strength or above (96%). There was a statistically significant difference of motor function between the delay of surgery within 4 months and more than 4 months (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Phrenic nerve transfers with and without nerve graft for elbow flexion after brachial plexus injury had no significant difference for biceps reinnervation according to MRC grading and EMG. A delay of the surgery after the 4 months might imply a bad prognosis for the recovery of the function.     

Postoperative changes on functional mapping of the motor cortex in patients with brachial plexus injury: comparative study of magnetoencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging

Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (f-MRI), we investigated the areas of the cerebral cortex that were activated when patients with brachial plexus injuries performed elbow flexion, a motion re-acquired through nerve transfer surgery. In all patients, elbow flexion on the operated side and on the unaffected side led to the activation of an area in the motor cortex, with these areas being located almost symmetrically on either side of the sagittal midline. These findings suggest that the activity center for the transferred intercostal nerves shifted to the motor cortex for the elbow, from the original intercostal nerve site. Received: October 10, 2000 / Accepted: April 26, 2001     

Electromyographic comparison of various exercises to improve elbow flexion following intercostal nerve transfer

We compared the quantitative electromyographic activity of the elbow flexors during four exercises (forced inspiration, forced expiration, trunk flexion and attempted elbow flexion), following intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve in 32 patients who had sustained root avulsion brachial plexus injuries. Quantitative electromyographic evaluation of the mean and maximum amplitude was repeated three times for each exercise. We found that mean and maximum elbow flexor activity was highest during trunk flexion, followed by attempted elbow flexion, forced inspiration and finally forced expiration. The difference between each group was significant (p < 0.001), with the exception of the difference between trunk flexion and attempted elbow flexion. Consequently, we recommend trunk flexion exercises to aid rehabilitation following intercostal nerve transfer.     

Restoration of prehension with the double free muscle technique following complete avulsion of the brachial plexus. Indications and long-term results

BACKGROUND: Recent interest in reconstruction of the upper limb following brachial plexus injuries has focused on the restoration of prehension following complete avulsion of the brachial plexus. METHODS: Double free muscle transfer was performed in patients who had complete avulsion of the brachial plexus. After initial exploration of the brachial plexus and (if possible) repair of the fifth cervical nerve root, the first free muscle, used to restore elbow flexion and finger extension, is transferred and reinnervated by the spinal accessory nerve. The second free muscle, transferred to restore finger flexion, is reinnervated by the fifth and sixth intercostal nerves. The motor branch of the triceps brachii is reinnervated by the third and fourth intercostal nerves to restore elbow extension. Hand sensibility is restored by suturing of the sensory rami of the intercostal nerves to the median nerve or the ulnar nerve component of the medial cord. Secondary reconstructive procedures, such as arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb, shoulder arthrodesis, and tenolysis of the transferred muscle and the distal tendons, may be required to improve the functional outcome. RESULTS: The early results were evaluated in thirty-two patients who had had reconstruction with use of the double free muscle procedure. Twenty-six of these patients were followed for at least twenty-four months (mean duration, thirty-nine months) after the second free muscle transfer, and they were assessed with regard to the long-term outcome as well. Satisfactory (excellent or good) elbow flexion was restored in twenty-five (96 percent) of the twenty-six patients and satisfactory prehension (more than 30 degrees of total active motion of the fingers), in seventeen (65 percent). Fourteen patients (54 percent) could position the hand in space, negating simultaneous flexion of the elbow, while moving the fingers at least 30 degrees and could use the reconstructed hand for activities requiring the use of two hands, such as holding a bottle while opening a cap and lifting a heavy object. The results were analyzed to identify factors affecting the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The double free muscle procedure can provide reliable and useful prehensile function for patients with complete avulsion of the brachial plexus.     

Transfer of fascicles from the ulnar nerve to the nerve to the biceps in the treatment of upper brachial plexus palsy

BACKGROUND: The transfer of one or more ulnar nerve fascicles to the nerve to the biceps can restore elbow flexion in patients with upper brachial plexus palsy. The purposes of the present retrospective study were to evaluate the results of this procedure, to measure the delay in reinnervation of the biceps muscle, and to define the indications for a secondary Steindler flexorplasty. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with an upper nerve-root brachial plexus injury were reviewed at an average of thirty-one months after the nerve fascicle transfer. The average age of the patients was twenty-eight years. The average time between the injury and the operation was nine months. Patients were evaluated with regard to reinnervation of the biceps, ulnar nerve function, elbow flexion strength, and grip strength. RESULTS: The average time required for reinnervation of the biceps after nerve fascicle transfer was five months. No motor or sensory deficits related to the ulnar nerve were noted clinically. The average grip strength at the time of the last follow-up was 25 kg (an improvement of 9 kg compared with the preoperative value). After the nerve transfer, twenty-four patients achieved grade-3 elbow flexion strength or better according to the grading system of the Medical Research Council. A Steindler flexorplasty was performed as a secondary procedure in ten patients with persistent grade-3 flexor strength or worse. In eight of these cases, elbow flexion strength improved after nerve transfer and flexorplasty. Overall, thirty of the thirty-two patients achieved a good result (grade-4 strength) or a fair result (grade-3 strength). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend this procedure for brachial plexus injuries involving the C5-C6 or C5-C6-C7 nerve roots. This procedure spares the C5 nerve root and other nerves for grafting or transfer elsewhere. A secondary Steindler flexorplasty is indicated for patients who have persistent grade-3 elbow flexion strength or worse for at least twelve months after nerve fascicle transfer.     

联合尺神经束支和臂丛外神经移位治疗臂丛损伤

目的 观察联合尺神经束支和臂丛外神经移位治疗臂丛损伤的临床效果.方法 臂丛损伤6例,其中单纯上干损伤4例;上中干为主,合并下干部分损伤2例.伤后平均2.8个月接受手术.术式包括尺神经部分束支转位至肌皮神经肱二头肌肌支,膈神经或者副神经斜方肌支转位至肩胛上神经,桡神经肱三头肌长头肌支转位修复腋神经肌支.用肱二头肌、岗上肌和三角肌肌力,肩外展和上举角度,尺神经功能损失等指标对手术方式和效果进行评估.结果 6例中5例得到随访,平均随访时间18个月,肱二头肌均在术后3～4个月开始恢复肌力.随访时间18个月以上的4例屈肘M_4~+～M_5;随访时间4个月的1例屈肘M_3~+.其中3例行外展功能重建,单用膈神经修复的病例上臂可上举至180°,外展肌力M_4~+;联合副神经和肱三头肌长头肌支修复的病例上肢可外展90°,肌力M_4~-;单用副神经修复的病例上肢可外展80°,肌力M_3~+.3例手部握持力与术前相同,2例增强.4例手部尺神经供区功能无明显影响,1例小指掌侧皮肤感觉减退,第一骨间背侧肌萎缩.结论 尺神经部分束支转位修复肱二头肌支可以有效的恢复臂丛损伤后屈肘功能;用膈神经修复肩胛上神经可能取得更好的肩外展和上举效果;本组臂丛下干部分损伤的病例受伤均在3个月内,采用此术式同样恢复了肱二头肌功能,未加重原有的手功能障碍.