臂丛神经损伤早期修复的临床研究

目的研究臂丛神经损伤早期行神经修复的可行性和优点。方法2004年2月-2005年10月，对5例早期臂丛神经损伤患者行神经探查修复术。其中2例为臂丛神经束支部损伤，3例为臂丛神经根性撕脱伤。受伤后至手术时间最短为4h，最长为25d，平均为5．8d（140h）。4例伴有锁骨下动脉或腋动脉损伤，2例伴有锁骨骨折，均在修复神经的同时行血管和骨折的处理。结果5例患者在术中及术后均未出现严重的并发症。术后随访时间为12—24个月。臂丛神经功能均有不同程度的恢复，血管通畅性良好。结论臂丛神经损伤早期行探查修复手术有利于神经的再生，但需严格掌握手术适应证，并需具备相应的医疗能力。     

神经移位修复臂丛神经根性撕脱伤

１９８７年７月～１９９４年６月，对２１例臂丛神经根性撕脱伤采用神经移位修复。其中复合移位４组神经（膈神经、副神经、颈丛运动支、肋间神经）者１例，３组（膈神经、副神经、颈丛运动支）者６例，２组（膈神经、副神经）者９例，１组（膈神经或颈丛运动支或肋间神经）者５例。术中发现臂丛神经变异１例，对４例合并锁骨下动脉损伤者，在神经移位的同时进行血管修复，促进患肢的血液循环，有利于神经的康复。随访到１９例，随访时间为８个月～６年２个月，优良率达７３．７％。认为，神经移位术是修复神经根性撕裂伤的常规方法，合并血管损伤者也应同时修复，对促进神经功能恢复有利     

Emergency versus delayed repair of severe brachial plexus injuries

Emergency or early surgery for brachial plexus injury is advisable because emergency nerve surgery is technically easier and because the overall results are better. In cases involving vascular injury, preoperative arteriography is indispensable. The blood supply must be reestablished and the brachial plexus completely explored and, if possible, repaired. In cases not involving vascular injury, violent trauma with fractures of the shoulder often produces lesions in the same brachial plexus. Regardless of associated vascular or bone injuries, brachial plexus lesions should be repaired within the first days after injury (provided that there are no contraindications related to age or general health). If combined vascular and nerve injuries are involved, immediate emergency surgery is mandatory. With early surgery, exploration is easier, shorter grafts are needed, and neurotization is possible in lesions in which the roots have been pulled out.     

Mini-invasive robot-assisted surgery of the brachial plexus: a case of intraneural perineurioma

Brachial plexus surgery requires extensive incisions. They are esthetically unsightly and compromise the quality of recovery after nerve repair surgery. We present a new approach to brachial plexus surgery using mini-invasive robot-assisted surgery to perform a biopsy of an intraneural perineurioma of the right brachial plexus in a 12-year-old girl.     

Concepts of nerve regeneration and repair applied to brachial plexus reconstruction

Brachial plexus injury is a serious condition that usually affects young adults. Progress in brachial plexus repair is intimately related to peripheral nerve surgery, and depends on clinical and experimental studies. We review the rat brachial plexus as an experimental model, together with its behavioral evaluation. Techniques to repair nerves, such as neurolysis, nerve coaptation, nerve grafting, nerve transfer, fascicular transfer, direct muscle neurotization, and end-to-side neurorraphy, are discussed in light of the authors' experimental studies. Intradural repair of the brachial plexus by graft implants into the spinal cord and motor rootlet transfer offer new possibilities in brachial plexus reconstruction. The clinical experience of intradural repair is presented. Surgical planning in root rupture or avulsion is proposed. In total avulsion, the authors are in favor of the reconstruction of thoraco-brachial and abdomino-antebrachial grasping, and on the transfer of the brachialis muscle to the wrist extensors if it is reinnervated. Surgical treatment of painful conditions and new drugs are also discussed.     

椎管内修复臂丛神经损伤的解剖及临床应用研究

目的观察通过打开椎管找到残存的臂丛神经根并进行神经修复的可行性。方法甲醛溶液固定的成人尸体标本15具30侧，测量C5-T1，神经前根椎间孔段的直径、长度和有髓神经纤维计数。选择5例臂丛神经损伤患者，2例为椎孔处刀刺伤，3例为闭合性创伤。自受伤到椎管内探查的时间为3-6个月，平均4个月。CTM显示部分已损伤的神经根其椎管内神经前后根仍存在，而锁骨上臂丛神经探查在椎间孔外找不到相应的具有正常结构的神经根近端，通过打开椎管将椎管内残存的神经根用腓肠神经桥接进行神经修复。结果C5-T1，神经前根的有髓神经纤维数目为4000-6000根，椎间孔段的长度为11～14mm，外径为1．2～1．5mm。5例患者的椎管内均找到了具有正常结构的神经根近端，其中C5神经根3例，C5、C6神经根1例，C7神经根1例。C5修复肩胛上神经和C5神经远端各1例，C5修复正中神经内侧头1例，C7修复内侧束1例，C5、C6分别修复上干后股、肌皮神经1例。术后随访38--46个月，平均42个月。5例患者其修复神经所支配肌肉的肌力分别达3-4级。结论对于神经根在椎间孔处断裂的臂丛神经损伤，可通过打开椎管找到损伤神经根的近端，为臂丛神经根性损伤的修复提供理想的动力神经源，有利于臂丛神经治疗效果的提高。     

锁骨下及腋动脉损伤合并臂丛神经损伤的急救与外科治疗(附10例报告)

目的：探讨锁骨下及腋动脉损伤合并臂丛神经损伤的治疗方法：方法：分析10例锁骨下动脉及腋动脉损伤合并臂丛神经损伤的治疗结果。结果：10例均存活，也未出现患肢坏死，但有6例仍存在锁骨下动脉、腋动脉主干闭塞其中2例发生缺血性肌挛缩。臂丛损伤可二期修复。结论：在抢救生命的原则下，迅速探查血管神经，尽可能地修复血管损伤，重建上肢血供，是保留患肢功能的基础。二期探查修复臂丛损伤应审慎进行。     

Paralytic shoulder secondary to post-traumatic peripheral nerve lesions in the adult

A critical review is presented of the indications for nerve repair or transfer and for palliative operations in the management of paralytic shoulder following traumatic neurological injuries in the adult. Different situations are considered: paralytic shoulder following supraclavicular lesions of the brachial plexus, following retro- and infraclavicular lesions and following lesions to the terminal branches of the plexus (axillary, suprascapular and musculocutaneous nerves) and finally problems related to lesions of the accessory nerve and the long thoracic nerve. I. Supraclavicular lesions of the brachial plexus. In complete (C5 to T1) lesions, the possibilities for nerve repair or transfer are at best limited, and the aim is to restore active flexion of the elbow. Palliative operations may be associated in order to stabilize the shoulder. In case of a complete C5 to T1 root avulsion, amputation at the distal humerus may be considered but is rarely performed combined with shoulder arthrodesis if the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles are functioning. The shoulder may also be stabilized by a ligament plasty using the coracoacromial ligament. In cases where the supraspinatus and long head of the biceps have recovered, but where active external rotation is absent, function may be improved by derotation osteotomy of the humerus. In partial C5,6 or C5,6,7 lesions, the indications for nerve repair and transfer are wider, as well as the indications for muscle transfers. In C5,6 lesions, a neurotization from the accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve gives 60% satisfactory results; this is also true following treatment of C5,6,7 lesions, whereas restoration of active elbow flexion is obtained in 100% of cases in C5,6 lesions but only in 86% in C5,6,7 lesions. In cases where shoulder function has not been restored, palliative operations may be considered: arthrodesis or, more often, derotation osteotomy of the humerus which can be combined with transfer of the teres major and latissimus dorsi. II. Retro- and infraclavicular lesions of the brachial plexus. Twenty-five percent of the lesions of the brachial plexus occur in the retro- or infraclavicular region and involve the secondary trunks, most commonly the posterior trunk. Nerve repair should be performed early. The shoulder may be affected owing to involvement of the axillary nerve in cases of lesions of the posterior trunk, often associated with a lesion of the suprascapular nerve. Regarding the terminal branches (axillary, suprascapular and musculocutaneous nerves), spontaneous recovery may be expected in a significant proportion of cases but is often delayed (6-9 months), and the problem is to avoid unnecessary operations while not unduly delaying surgical repair in cases where it is indicated. MRI may be useful to delineate those cases where surgery is indicated: repair is usually performed around 6 months following trauma. Isolated lesions of the axillary nerve may be repaired with good results using a nerve graft. The lesion may occur in combination with a lesion of the suprascapular nerve; the latter may be interrupted at several levels. Proximal repair may be performed using a nerve graft; distal lesions are more difficult to repair and may require intramuscular neurotization. Lesions of the musculocutaneous nerve may be repaired with good results using a nerve graft. Lesions of the axillary nerve may be seen associated with lesions of the rotator cuff. The treatment varies according to the age and condition of the patient and according to the condition of the cuff muscles and tendons: in a young patient with avulsion of the tendons from bone, cuff reinsertion is indicated; in an older patient, the cuff must be evaluated by MRI or arthroscan, and repair is indicated unless the cuff tear is not amenable to surgery or there is fatty degeneration of the muscles. Palliative surgery may be indicated in cases seen late or after failed attempts at nerve repair. (ABSTRACT     

Endoscopic exploration of the brachial plexus: technique and topographic anatomy--a study in fresh human cadavers

OBJECTIVE: The indications for and timing of brachial plexus exploration in closed injuries are controversial. The time-consuming surgery proves its worth in some cases, whereas spontaneous regeneration might have been possible in others. The differentiation is difficult, because no investigational method reveals the exact morphological correlates of the nerve lesions. Minimally invasive, direct observation of the structures is a possible solution. Here we describe our surgical technique and the anatomic features of the normal brachial plexus appreciated with the endoscope. METHODS: Twenty-one brachial plexus in 11 fresh cadavers were investigated. Endoscopic exploration was performed at the supraclavicular and infraclavicular levels. The method involves insertion of an optic shaft-integrated retractor through a stab wound; retraction of landmark muscles produces a working space, into which other instruments are introduced for dissection. After completion of endoscopic surgery, open dissection was performed to verify the endoscopically identified structures and to assess iatrogenic injuries. RESULTS: The omohyoid muscle is a reliable landmark in the supraclavicular region, beneath which the suprascapular nerve can be observed. Following the suprascapular nerve proximally leads to the plexus trunks. Infraclavicular exploration first reveals the axillary artery. The plexus and its nerves are traced around this artery. The anatomic features were constant in all cases, with variations in fat accumulation depending on the corporeal constitution. We detected iatrogenic injuries to the medial circumflex humeral vessels in two cases. No nerve injuries were observed. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic technique combined with intraoperative nerve stimulation studies might provide important information on the type of morphological damage in closed brachial plexus injuries and thus might become an important tool for determination of the surgical treatment strategy. Clinical work is under way.     

Freeze-thawed skeletal muscle autografts used for brachial plexus repair in the non-human primate.

An experimental study undertaken in the marmoset is reported. A defect in the lateral cord of the brachial plexus was repaired with a longitudinally aligned freeze-thawed skeletal muscle autograft. Recovery was assessed after one year using sensory and motor electrophysiological and also histological examination of the nerve. The results show that this is a satisfactory method of peripheral nerve repair in the marmoset. It is suggested that the technique may be applicable to repair of the human brachial plexus.     

A case of supracondylar humerus fracture with vascular impairment. Open it up?

Supracondylar humerus fracture is one of the most frequent fractures in childhood. A serious complication is an injury to the neurovascular structures which could potentially result in severe functional impairment. We are presenting the case of a 3-year-old girl with a supracondylar humerus fracture in our emergency department and highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic steps in managing this situation. Initially, the hand was well perfused but showed to be pulseless in the operating theater after preparation for surgery. After open reduction and internal pin fixation the neurovascular structures were explored and the brachial artery was repaired by means of a cephalic vein graft. On follow up the patient presented with normal hand function and without vascular or neurologic deficits. As concomitant vascular injuries after supracondylar humerus fractures are rare, it can be difficult to discriminate a pink pulseless hand from a patient with essential vascular injury. Our case also demonstrates the need for short-term reevaluation of the clinical status. When in doubt there should be no hesitation to perform open surgery and vascular repair.     

Transarticular repair of the brachial plexus. Case report

This paper illustrates the repair of a complex and unusually placed iatrogenic injury of the brachial plexus. The authors present the case of a 36-year old woman, musician (piano solista), with a dumbbell tumour of the brachial plexus. A general surgeon performed a gross total removal of the tumour, cutting it flush with the exit of the neuroforamen and this resulted in a severe upper brachial plexus injury. Four months later, the brachial plexus was repaired with a nerve graft, using a double extraforaminal and preforaminal approach via the transarticular route. The surgical procedure proved to be effective and without significant consequences for the patient.     

Axillary Artery and Brachial Plexus Injuries due to Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

Abstract Axillary artery injury after shoulder dislocation, without an associated bone fracture is very rare. Vascular injuries associated with brachial plexus lesions range in incidence from 27% to 44%. Management of axillary artery injury is mainly surgical and depends on the extent and the site of injury. The treatment of associated nerve injuries is more controversial. There is a scarcity of literature surrounding the association of injury to the brachial plexus, axillary artery and to the shoulder. The authors report a case of axillary artery associated with a delayed brachial plexus palsy and review the literature with the aim to identify the clinical pattern of this condition and to evaluate the outcome of neuropraxia after blunt axillary artery injury associated with anterior shoulder dislocation.     

Combined nerve transfers for repair of the upper brachial plexus injuries through a posterior approach

The upper brachial plexus injury leads to paralysis of muscles innervated by C5 and C6 nerve roots. In this report, we present our experience on the use of the combined nerve transfers for reconstruction of the upper brachial plexus injury. Nine male patients with the upper brachial plexus injury were treated with combined nerve transfers. The time interval between injury and surgery ranged from 3 to 11 months (average, 7 months). The combined nerve transfers include fascicles of the ulnar nerve and/or the median nerve transfer to the biceps and/or the brachialis motor branch, and the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to the suprascapular nerve (SSN) and triceps branches to the axillary nerve through a posterior approach. At an average of 33 months of follow-up, all patients recovered the full range of the elbow flexion. Six out of nine patients were able to perform the normal range of shoulder abduction with the strength degraded to M3 or M4. These results showed that the technique of the combined nerve transfers, specifically the SAN to the SSN and triceps branches to the axillary nerve through a posterior approach, may be a valuable alternative in the repair of the upper brachial plexus injury. Further evaluations of this technique are necessary.     

Neurotization and free muscle transfer for brachial plexus avulsion injury

Reconstructive strategies for avulsion injuries of the brachial plexus have evolved from the irreparable and hopeless limb to the reparable and functional limb as a result of development of neurotization and free muscle transplantation. With more detailed knowledge of macro- and micro-nerve anatomy, the surgeon can be more confident in refining neurotization without causing a deficit in the donor nerve. Microsurgical anastomoses and nerve coaptation continue to be challenges in free muscle transplantation. End-to-side anastomoses or vein grafts are often required to facilitate access to the donor nerve for direct nerve coaptation. For functioning free muscle transplantation, every effort should be made to achieve direct nerve repair rather than direct end-to-end vessel repair.     

急诊和亚急诊手术治疗有合并伤的臂丛损伤

目的 在急诊处理锁骨骨折、肩胛骨骨折、锁骨下动脉损伤及肩关节脱位、骨盆骨折等创伤的同时或2～3周内进行臂丛神经离断伤或部分离断伤的手术修复，以提高其术后的优良率。方法 1993年2月～2003年1月，我们对怀疑有臂丛损伤的患者，尽快进行MRI等检查，根据临床表现和检查结果，对其中明确为离断伤或部分离断伤的29例患者，在伤后急诊或2～3周内实施了臂丛探查，神经直接缝接，颈丛、膈神经、副神经移位，臂丛神经交叉移位及侧侧缝合等手术。结果 其中21例患者术后得到6个月～6年(平均3年)的随访，按照顾玉东的臂丛损伤功能评定标准，本组患者观察总体优良率达70.6％。结论 对有合并伤的臂丛神经离断伤或部分离断伤患者，急诊或2～3周内进行手术探查和修复，可减少手术次数和难度，提高臂丛损伤修复术的优良率。     

Anesthésie du plexus brachial par voie axillaire pour chirurgie urgente: comparaison de trois méthodes d'approche

ObjectivesTo compare three techniques of brachial plexus blockade for emergency surgery of the upper limb.Study designProspective, randomised study.PatientsOne hundred eleven patients admitted to an emergency surgical service, randomly assigned to three groups.MethodsThe patients were given 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 20 mL and 0.5% bupivacaine 20 mL. The three groups were as follows: brachial plexus block using a peripheral nerve stimulator (group St, n = 38); transarterial brachial plexus blockade with injection of 2/3 of the anaesthetic in back of and 1/3 in front of the artery (group TAP, n = 36); transarterial brachial plexus blockade with one single injection in back of the artery (group TP, n = 37). The success rate, time required to perform the technique, latency of analgesia, quality of motor blockade, and adverse effects were compared between the three groups. Analysis of variance was used to compare quantitative data and χ² test were used for qualitative data.ResultsRates of success varied between 65 and 75%. Success rates, latency of analgesia and quality of motor blockade were not significantly different between groups. Time to perform the technique was longer when using a nerve stimulator.ConclusionAs these three techniques for brachial plexus block in emergency surgery are comparable, no one can be recommended instead of the others.     

臂丛神经合并血管损伤的显微外科治疗

目的 探讨臂丛神经合并血管损伤的诊断,显微外科治疗及临床效果。方法 针对不同损伤部位,采取臂丛神经血管探查,进行神经修复,移植及血管修补和自体静脉及人工血管移植同时修复神经损伤及血管损伤。结果 本组７例,经上述方法处理后患肢血液循环良好,经１年以上随访,部分病例恢复神经功能,优良率为５７．１％。结论明确臂丛神经合并血管损伤的诊断,采用有效的     

锁骨下血管合并臂丛损伤的处理

目的 探讨锁骨下动脉合并臂丛神经损伤的诊断和处理。方法 5例锁骨下动脉损伤合并臂丛损伤，其中锁骨下动脉第一段损伤1例，第三段损伤4例；2例合并动脉瘤，1例动脉瘤加动静脉瘘．2例血管纤维化自行闭塞。根据锁骨下动脉损伤性质，分别采用静脉移植、直接缝合、血管结扎处理，损伤臂丛神经采取直接缝合、神经松解。结果 3例开放性损伤患者早期手术修复动脉和神经，术后伤肢无疼痛，神经功能有不同程度恢复；2例闭合钝器伤晚期患者，1例行血管、神经松解术，仅疼痛减轻，1例血管臂丛神经广泛粘连，神经松解术后无任何恢复。结论 除原发性损伤外，进行性增大的血肿或假性动脉瘤压迫可加重臂丛神经损害．如能早期处理血肿或动脉瘤，解除压迫，可减轻神经损害，有利于臂丛神经功能恢复。     

Elbow flexion palsy after traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus in adults

The development of direct repair of traumatic injuries of the brachial plexus has completely transformed the treatment of these severe lesions. Treatment must be an integrated procedure combining direct nerve surgery and muscle transfers, if needed. This article presents the results of a study of 315 surgically treated supraclavicular lesions.