Regional donor nerves in the reinnervation of brachial plexus palsy due to upper spinal roots avulsion

Abstract

The prognosis for surgical treatment in cases of upper brachial plexus palsy due to spinal roots avulsion is somewhat better than in cases of total palsy. The main reasons are better possibilities for surgical reinnervation using regional donors i.e. the medial pectoral and the thoracodorsal nerves, and a shorter time span for nerve regeneration. Regional donor nerves, alone or in combination with upper intercostals and/or the spinal accessory nerve, were used in 13 cases for the reinnervation of the musculocutaneous and/or the axillary nerves. The value of the regional donors is analysed and compared with that of the spinal accessory and intercostal nerves. The value is documented throughout the results of surgical treatment with a follow-up period of at least 18 months after surgery.