A randomised placebo‐controlled trial examining the effect on hand supination after the addition of a suprascapular nerve block to infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade

Some surgeons believe that infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks tends to result in supination of the hand/forearm, which may make surgical access to the dorsum of the hand more difficult. We hypothesised that this supination may be reduced by the addition of a suprascapular nerve block. In a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study, our primary outcome measure was the amount of supination (as assessed by wrist angulation) 30 min after infraclavicular brachial plexus block, with (suprascapular group) or without (control group) a supplementary suprascapular block. All blocks were ultrasound‐guided. The secondary outcome measure was an assessment by the surgeon of the intra‐operative position of the hand. Considering only patients with successful nerve blocks, mean (SD) wrist angulation was lower (33 (27) vs. 61 (44) degrees; p = 0.018) and assessment of the hand position was better (11/11 vs. 6/11 rated as ‘good’; p = 0.04) in the suprascapular group. The addition of a suprascapular nerve block to an infraclavicular brachial plexus block can provide a better hand/forearm position for dorsal hand surgery.     

Evaluation of suprascapular nerve neurotization after nerve graft or transfer in the treatment of brachial plexus traction lesions

OBJECT: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the restoration of shoulder function by means of suprascapular nerve neurotization in adult patients with proximal C-5 and C-6 lesions due to a severe brachial plexus traction injury. The primary goal of brachial plexus reconstructive surgery was to restore biceps muscle function and, secondarily, to reanimate shoulder function. METHODS: Suprascapular nerve neurotization was performed by grafting the C-5 nerve in 24 patients and by accessory or hypoglossal nerve transfer in 29 patients. Additional neurotization involving the axillary nerve was performed in 18 patients. Postoperative needle electromyography studies of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and deltoid muscles showed signs of reinnervation in most patients; however, active glenohumeral shoulder function recovery was poor. In nine (17%) of 53 patients supraspinatus muscle strength was Medical Research Council (MRC) Grade 3 or 4 and in four patients (8%) infraspinatus muscle power was MRC Grade 3 or 4. In 18 patients in whom deltoid muscle reinnervation was attempted, MRC Grade 3 or 4 function was demonstrated in two (11%). In the overall group, eight patients (15%) exhibited glenohumeral abduction with a mean of 44 +/- 17 degrees (standard deviation [SD]; median 45 degrees) and four patients (8%) exhibited glenohumeral exorotation with a mean of 48 +/- 24 degrees (SD; median 53 degrees). In only three patients (6%) were both functions regained. CONCLUSIONS: The reanimation of shoulder function in patients with proximal C-5 and C-6 brachial plexus traction injuries following suprascapular nerve neurotization is disappointingly low.     

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following ultrasound-guided anterior vs. posterior suprascapular nerve block: a double-blind,randomised control trial

Interscalene brachial plexus block provides analgesia for shoulder surgery but is associated with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. Before considering a combined suprascapular and axillary nerve block as an alternative to interscalene brachial plexus block, evaluation of the incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction according to the approach to the suprascapular nerve is necessary. We randomly allocated 84 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery to an anterior or a posterior approach to the suprascapular nerve block combined with an axillary nerve block using 10 ml ropivacaine 0.375% for each nerve. The primary outcome was the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis diagnosed by ultrasound. Secondary outcomes included: characterisation of the hemidiaphragmatic paralysis over time; numeric rating scale pain scores; oral morphine equivalent consumption; and patient satisfaction. The incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was 40% (n = 17) vs. 2% (n = 1) in the anterior and posterior groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In one third of patients with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, it persisted beyond the eighth hour. The median (interquartile range [range]) oral morphine equivalent consumption was significantly higher in the posterior approach when compared with the anterior approach, whether in the recovery area (20 [5–31 (0–60)] mg vs. 7.5 [0–14 (0–52)] mg, respectively; p = 0.004) or during the first 24 h (82 [61–127 (12–360) mg] vs. 58 [30–86 (0–160)] mg, respectively; p = 0.01). Patient satisfaction was comparable between groups (p = 0.6). Compared with the anterior approach, diaphragmatic function is best preserved with the posterior needle approach to the suprascapular nerve block.     

Restoration of shoulder function with nerve transfers in traumatic brachial plexus palsy patients

Shoulder stabilization is of utmost importance in upper extremity reanimation following paralysis from devastating injuries. Although secondary procedures such as tendon and muscle transfers have been used, they never achieve a functional recovery comparable to that following successful reinnervation of the supraspinatus, deltoid, teres minor, and infraspinatus muscles. Early restoration of suprascapular and axillary nerve function through timely brachial plexus reconstruction offers a good opportunity to restore shoulder-joint stability, adequate shoulder abduction, and external rotation function. Overall, in our series, 79% of patients achieved good and excellent shoulder abduction (muscle grade, +3 or more), and 55% of patients achieved good or excellent shoulder external rotation after reinnervation of the suprascapular nerve. The best results were seen when direct neurotization of the suprascapular nerve from the distal spinal accessory nerve or neurotization by the C5 root was carried out. Concomitant neurotization of the axillary nerve yields improved outcomes in shoulder abduction and external rotation function.     

Axillary nerve neurotization with the anterior deltopectoral approach in brachial plexus injuries

Combined neurotization of both axillary and suprascapular nerves in shoulder reanimation has been widely accepted in brachial plexus injuries, and the functional outcome is much superior to single nerve transfer. This study describes the surgical anatomy for axillary nerve relative to the available donor nerves and emphasize the salient technical aspects of anterior deltopectoral approach in brachial plexus injuries. Fifteen patients with brachial plexus injury who had axillary nerve neurotizations were evaluated. Five patients had complete avulsion, 9 patients had C5, six patients had brachial plexus injury pattern, and one patient had combined axillary and suprascapular nerve injury. The long head of triceps branch was the donor in C5,6 injuries; nerve to brachialis in combined nerve injury and intercostals for C5‐T1 avulsion injuries. All these donors were identified through the anterior approach, and the nerve transfer was done. The recovery of deltoid was found excellent (M5) in C5,6 brachial plexus injuries with an average of 134.4° abduction at follow up of average 34.6 months. The shoulder recovery was good with 130° abduction in a case of combined axillary and suprascapular nerve injury. The deltoid recovery was good (M3) in C5‐T1 avulsion injuries patients with an average of 64° shoulder abduction at follow up of 35 months. We believe that anterior approach is simple and easy for all axillary nerve transfers in brachial plexus injuries. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.     

Transfer of the accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve in brachial plexus reconstruction

PURPOSE: Transfer of the accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve is a common procedure, performed to reestablish shoulder motion in patients with brachial plexus palsy. We propose dissecting both nerves via a distal oblique supraclavicular incision, which can be prolonged up to the scapular notch. The results of the transfer to the suprascapular nerve are compared with those of the combined repair of the suprascapular and axillary nerves. METHODS: Thirty men between the ages of 18 and 37 years with brachial plexus trauma had reparative surgery within 3 to 10 months of their injuries. In partial injuries with a normal triceps, a triceps motor branch transfer to the axillary nerve was performed. The suprascapular and accessory nerves were dissected via an oblique incision, extending from the point at which the plexus crosses the clavicle to the anterior border of the trapezius muscle. In 10 patients with fractures or dislocations of the clavicle, the trapezius muscle was partially elevated to expose the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch. RESULTS: In all cases, transfer of the accessory to the suprascapular nerve was performed without the need for nerve grafts. A double lesion of the suprascapular nerve was identified in 1 patient with clavicular dislocation. In those with total palsy, the average improvement in range of abduction was 45 degrees , but none of the patients with total palsy recovered any active external rotation. Patients with upper-type injury recovered an average of 105 degrees of abduction and external rotation. If only patients with C5-C6 injuries were considered, the range of abduction and external rotation increased to 122 degrees and 118 degrees , respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the accessory nerve for transfer to the suprascapular nerve ensured adequate return of shoulder function, especially when combined with a triceps motor branch transfer to the axillary nerve. The supraclavicular exposure proposed here for the suprascapular and accessory nerves is advantageous and can be extended easily to explore the suprascapular nerve at the scapular notch.     

Repair of isolated axillary nerve lesions after infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries: case reports

Stretch injuries of the infraclavicular brachial plexus have a much better prognosis for spontaneous recovery than do their supraclavicular counterparts. We present three patients with stretch injuries of the infraclavicular brachial plexus who had spontaneous restoration of function in all muscles except the deltoid. Decreased shoulder abduction was a serious handicap to these individuals. At surgical exploration, each patient had an isolated, complete axillary nerve disruption at the quadrilateral space. Deltoid muscle function was restored in all three patients by repair of the axillary nerve with sural nerve grafts across the quadrilateral space.     

Lateral infraclavicular plexus block vs. axillary block for hand and forearm surgery

BACKGROUND: In the last few years infraclavicular plexus block has become a method of increasing interest. However, this block has been associated with high complication incidences and without advantage in the quality of blockade over the axillary approach. We prospectively studied 40 patients (ASA I-III) undergoing surgery of the forearm and hand, and investigated the performance of the lateral infraclavicular plexus block against an axillary paravascular block to evaluate the success rate as well as the extent and quality of blockade. METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups: group I (lateral infraclavicular approach; n=20) and group A (axillary approach; n=20). The lateral infraclavicular approach is a technique with the coracoid process (CP) as landmark. Alone the sagittal plane, the needle is inserted until contact with the CP. The needle is then withdrawn 2-3 mm and reinserted directly under the CP, until it contacts the brachial plexus sheath. Plexus blockade was performed using 40 ml of mepivacaine 1%. Quality of sensory and motor block was recorded selectively for each nerve distribution at close intervals for 6 h. RESULTS: Successful block according to Vester-Andersen's criteria was achieved in 100% of group I and 85% of group A. In group I, a pronounced sensory and motor blockade of the musculocutaneous nerve was observed, while patients of group A had a weak block of this nerve. In group I, an additional spectrum of nerves (thoracodorsal, axillary and medial brachial cutaneous nerves) was involved compared to group A. There was no difference among groups in onset and duration of block. CONCLUSION: Based on the safe landmark and feasibility of this procedure and the additional spectrum of nerve block achieved, the application of lateral infraclavicular technique has to be reconsidered in clinical practice.     

Nerve transfer to deltoid muscle using the nerve to the long head of the triceps,part II: a report of 7 cases

PURPOSE: This study reports the results of nerve transfer to the deltoid muscle using the nerve to the long head of the triceps. METHODS: Seven patients with an average age of 25 years with loss of shoulder abduction secondary to upper brachial plexus injuries had nerve transfer using the nerve to the long head of the triceps to the anterior branch(es) of the axillary nerve through the posterior approach. The spinal accessory nerve was used simultaneously for nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve. The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 28 months (average, 20 mo). RESULTS: All patients recovered deltoid power against resistance (M4) at the last follow-up evaluation. Useful functional recovery was achieved in all 7 patients; 5 had excellent recoveries and 2 had good results. The average shoulder abduction was 124 degrees. No notable weakness of elbow extension was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This method is a reliable and effective procedure for deltoid reconstruction in brachial plexus injury (upper-arm type) and should be combined with spinal accessory nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve to obtain good shoulder abduction.     

手术治疗创伤致神经源性单纯肩外展功能障碍

 目的 探讨手术治疗肩部创伤致肩胛上神经与腋神经同时损伤的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2003年7月至2011年9月,手术治疗13例男性肩部创伤后诊断为肩胛上神经与腋神经同时损伤的患者资料,年龄8~59岁,平均28 岁;受伤至手术时间为2~7个月,平均3.7个月。其中肩胛颈和锁骨同时骨折2例,浮肩损伤3例,肱骨颈及关节盂骨折1例,锁骨骨折3例,肩峰骨折1例,肩胛骨骨折2例,寰枢椎骨折1例。13例临床检查均示单纯肩外展、外旋功能完全丧失,三角肌及冈上、下肌肌力均为0级。电生理检查示腋神经、肩胛上神经完全失神经支配。肩胛上神经断裂10例,其中6例通过1股腓肠神经移植修复,1例通过1股颈丛浅支移植修复,3例因远端撕脱而放弃神经修复;另3例肩胛上神经仅进行松解。腋神经断裂12例,其中10例采用2~3股腓肠神经移植修复,2例采用正中神经束支移位修复;另1例腋神经于四边孔处进行松解。13例患者中,10例患者的肩胛上神经及腋神经同时断裂。结果 13例患者随访时间36~134个月,平均85个月;7例肩关节上举恢复正常达180°,该7例的三角肌力均为4级,肩外旋40°~70°,平均56°;5例肩外展达30°~50°,平均38°;该5例肩外旋为-40°~30°,平均10°,三角肌肌力4级1例,3级2例,2级2例;另1例无恢复。结论 对于肩部创伤后出现的单纯肩关节外展、外旋功能完全丧失,应考虑肩胛上神经与腋神经同时损伤的可能。此种类型的神经损伤修复后的效果满意,应尽早进行神经移植修复。     

Brachial plexus blocks: a review of approaches and techniques

PURPOSE: The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the evidence derived from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding established approaches and techniques for brachial plexus anesthesia. SOURCE: Using the MEDLINE (January 1966 to November 2006) and EMBASE (January 1980 to November 2006) databases, key words "brachial plexus", "nerve blocks", "interscalene", "cervical paravertebral", "suprascapular", "supraclavicular", "infraclavicular", "axillary", "brachial canal" and "humeral canal" were searched for full text articles pertaining to the evaluation of recognized approaches and techniques for brachial plexus anesthesia. The search was limited to RCTs involving human subjects and published in the English language. Seventy-six RCTs were identified. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Many of the published studies were underpowered and contained various methodological limitations. We found that, for shoulder and proximal humeral surgery, interscalene and cervical paravertebral approaches to the brachial plexus appear to provide equally effective surgical anesthesia. Intersternocleidomastoid supraclavicular blocks are not associated with improved postoperative analgesia despite eliciting more complete anesthesia of the brachial plexus. For surgery at or below the elbow, an infraclavicular block may result in decreased performance time and block-related pain while providing similar efficacy compared to (multiple-stimulation) axillary and brachial canal approaches. With respect to technique, it is unclear if nerve stimulation provides a more effective interscalene block than elicitation of paresthesiae. For supraclavicular blocks, nerve stimulation with a minimal threshold of 0.9 mA is recommended, whereas a double-stimulation technique is optimal for infraclavicular blocks. For the axillary approach, a triple-stimulation technique, involving injections of the musculocutaneous, median and radial nerves, is the most effective option. CONCLUSIONS: Published reports of RCTs provide evidence to formulate limited recommendations regarding optimal approaches and techniques for brachial plexus anesthesia. Further well-designed and meticulously executed RCTs are warranted, particularly in light of new techniques involving ultrasound or combining neurostimulation and echoguidance.     

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     

Shoulder reanimation in posttraumatic brachial plexus paralysis

Introduction

Posttraumatic brachial plexus paralysis invariably involves the upper roots leading to paralysis of the shoulder region musculature. Early neurotisation of the suprascapular and the axillary nerve should be one of the priorities in plexus reconstruction in order to reanimate the shoulder.

Patients and methods

From 1998 to 2007, 78 patients with posttraumatic brachial plexus palsy were operated in our department. Forty-three patients presented with supraclavicular lesions with involvement of C5 and C6 roots in all cases. Reconstruction of the shoulder function was achieved with neurotisation of the suprascapular nerve in 41 patients. Extraplexus donors were utilised in 34 patients, while intraplexus donors via nerve grafts in 7 patients. Neurotisation of the axillary nerve was performed in 25 patients, utilising intraplexus donors in 16 patients, extraplexus donors in 4, and combination of intraplexus and extraplexus donors in 5 patients.

Results

Suprascapular nerve neurotisation gave good or excellent results (supraspinatus > M3+ or shoulder abduction > 40°) in 35 patients. Intraplexus donors regained good or excellent function in 5 out of 6 patients (83%), while extraplexus neurotisations achieved good or excellent function of the supraspinatus in 30 out of 34 patients (88%). Axillary nerve neurotisation offered good or excellent results (deltoid > M3+ or shoulder abduction > 60°) in 14 patients (58%). Direct neurotisation of the axillary nerve via the motor branch for the long head of the triceps gave shoulder abduction of >110°, as well as external rotation of >30° in 3 out of 5 patients. Combined neurotisation of suprascapular and axillary nerves gave the best outcome achieving shoulder abduction of >60° as well as external rotation of >30°.

Conclusions

Shoulder reanimation should be one of the first priorities in brachial plexus reconstruction. Early neurotisation of the suprascapular, and if possible the axillary nerve offers the best outcome.     

Accessory nerve neurotization in infants with brachial plexus birth palsy

We report the surgical results of 13 accessory nerve neurotizations in brachial plexus birth palsy. The mean age at operation was 5.9 months. The accessory nerve was transferred to three C5 roots, to three C6 roots, to four posterior division of the middle trunks, to one musculocutaneous nerve, and to two suprascapular nerves. Sixty-seven percent of the cases acquired M4 or more in the deltoid muscle, 88% in the infraspinatus muscle, and 100% in the biceps brachii muscle. Twenty-five percent of the cases acquired M4 or more in the triceps brachii muscle and the wrist extensor muscles. These results were much better than formerly reported for adult cases by other authors. No functional compromise of the trapezius muscle was noted. The accessory nerve neurotization can be used safely and effectively in neurosurgical reconstruction of the brachial plexus palsy in infants. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Posterior Approach for Double Nerve Transfer for Restoration of Shoulder Function in Upper Brachial Plexus Palsy

Restoration of shoulder function is one of the most critical goals of treatment of brachial plexus injuries. Primary repair or nerve grafting of avulsion injuries of the upper brachial plexus in adults often leads to poor recovery. Nerve transfers have provided an alternative treatment with great potential for improved return of function. Many different nerves have been utilized as donor nerves for transfer to the suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve for return of shoulder function with variable results. As our knowledge of shoulder neuromuscular anatomy and physiology improves and our experience with nerve transfers increases, so evolve the specific transfer procedures. This article presents a technique and rationale for reconstructing shoulder function by transferring the distal spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve and the nerve branch to the medial head of the triceps to the axillary nerve, both through a posterior approach.     

Contralateral Spinal Accessory Nerve Transfer: A New Technique in Panavulsive Brachial Plexus Palsy

Brachial plexus avulsion results from excessive stretching and can occur secondary to motor vehicle accidents, mainly in motorcyclists. In a 28-year-old man with panavulsive brachial plexus palsy, we describe an alternative technique to repair brachial plexus avulsion and to stabilize and preserve shoulder function by transferring the contralateral spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve. We observed positive clinical and electromyographic results in sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, pectoralis, triceps, and biceps, with good outcome and prognosis for shoulder function at 12 months after surgery. This technique provides a unique opportunity for patients suffering from severe brachial plexus injuries and lacking enough donor nerves to obtain shoulder stability and mobility while avoiding bone fusion and preserving functionality of the contralateral shoulder with favorable postoperative outcomes.     

A comparison of a single-stimulation lateral infraclavicular plexus block with a triple-stimulation axillary block

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A single-stimulation infraclavicular brachial plexus block (ICB) is safe and easy to perform, although underused. This technique was compared with a triple-stimulation axillary block (AxB). METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled for hand and forearm surgery were randomly allocated to 2 groups. ICB was performed with the needle inserted above the coracoid process in the upper lateral angle of the infraclavicular fossa and directed vertically until nerve stimulation elicited a distal motor response (median, radial, or ulnar). A single 40-mL bolus of ropivacaine 0.75% was injected. In the AxB group, 3 stimulations were performed to identify median or ulnar, radial, and musculocutaneous nerves, followed by an infiltration near the medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous nerves. The same 40 mL of ropivacaine 0.75% was injected. Sensory and motor blocks were assessed at 5-minute intervals over 30 minutes. RESULTS: The time to block performance was shorter in the ICB than in the AxB group (2.5 +/- 1.9 minutes v 6.0 +/- 2.8 minutes, P <.001). The success rate (complete block in median, radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous, and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves) was comparable in the 2 groups (90% v 88% in groups ICB and AxB, respectively). Block extension was comparable, except for a higher rate of block completion in the axillary nerve distribution in group ICB and in the medial brachial cutaneous nerve in group AxB. The onset of each nerve block was comparable except for a faster onset for the musculocutaneous nerve in group AxB (8 +/- 3 v 10 +/- 5 minutes). CONCLUSION: A single shot ICB is equally effective as a triple-nerve stimulation AxB.     

神经束移位治疗臂丛神经根性撕脱伤70例临床报告

目的 观察应用神经束移位治疗臂丛神经根性撕脱伤的效果。方法 对７０例患者,于上臂上中部切取正中神经、心神经、胸背神经及健侧Ｃ７神经束移位给肱二头肌肌支、三角肌肌支等,重建肩、肘关节的功能。结果 供区部分神经切取后对肢体功能无明显影响。正中神经、尺神经部分束文、胸背神经、健侧Ｃ７束支移位比全干移位对肌功能的影响小,且同样有效。结论 肱二头肌肌支、三角肌肌支的神经纤维数量少,用供体神经部分神经束即可提供充足的神经纤维,且能保证移位的神经纤维能良好地长入肱二头肌和三角肌。     

多组神经束支部移位治疗臂丛神经上干损伤的近期疗效

目的 通过在各受区神经近入肌点处同时进行多组神经束支部移位,恢复臂丛神经上干损伤后丧失的肩肘功能.方法 2007年2月-9月,收治4例单纯臂丛神经上干损伤男性患者.年龄21～39岁.均为车祸伤.左侧1例,右侧3例.患侧肩关节外展、外旋、上举及屈肘不能;耸肩、伸肘、屈伸腕指肌力≥4级.肌电图检查:副神经、尺神经及肱三头肌长头肌支功能好;正中神经功能轻度受损.患者于伤后3～11个月入院.于全麻下行后路副神经到肩胛上神经、肱三头肌肌支到腋神经、尺神经部分束支到肱二头肌肌支和/或正中神经部分束支到肱肌肌支移位术.结果 术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,其中1例术后出现手部尺侧麻木症状,经对症处理后症状消失.余患者未出现与供区神经相关的运动、感觉功能受损症状.4例均获随访,随访时间7～12个月.术后3～4个月患侧均出现肩外展、屈肘动作.肌电图显示3组受区肌肉均可记录到新生电位.术后6～7个月,患者肩外展30～65°,屈肘90～120°,肌力3～4级.1例随访12个月患者肩外展、上举、外旋及届肘主动活动度基本正常,三角肌、肱二头肌外形轮廓接近正常.结论 应用功能相近的供体神经进行多组神经束支部移位具有供区损失小、恢复时间快、功能恢复佳等优点.尤其适合因伤后时间长延误治疗及锁骨上探查有风险的臂丛神经上干损伤患者.