Biomechanical Comparisons of Pull Out Strengths After Pedicle Screw Augmentation with Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Phosphate, or Polymethylmethacrylate in the Cadaveric Spine.

OBJECTIVE: In vertebrae with low bone mineral densities pull out strength is often poor, thus various substances have been used to fill screw holes before screw placement for corrective spine surgery. We performed biomechanical cadaveric studies to compare nonaugmented pedicle screws versus hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, or polymethylmethacrylate augmented pedicle screws for screw tightening torques and pull out strengths in spine procedures requiring bone screw insertion. METHODS: Seven human cadaveric T10-L1 spines with 28 vertebral bodies were examined by x-ray to exclude bony abnormalities. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans evaluated bone mineral densities. Twenty of 28 vertebrae underwent ipsilateral fluoroscopic placement of 6-mm holes augmented with hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, or polymethylmethacrylate, followed by transpedicular screw placements. Controls were pedicle screw placements in the contralateral hemivertebrae without augmentation. All groups were evaluated for axial pull out strength using a biomechanical loading frame. RESULTS: Mean pedicle screw axial pull out strength compared with controls increased by 12.5% in hydroxyapatite augmented hemivertebrae (P = 0.600) and by 14.9% in calcium phosphate augmented hemivertebrae (P = 0.234), but the increase was not significant for either method. Pull out strength of polymethylmethacrylate versus hydroxyapatite augmented pedicle screws was 60.8% higher (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphate augmentation in osteoporotic vertebrae showed a trend toward increased pedicle screw pull out strength versus controls. Pedicle screw pull out force of polymethylmethacrylate in the insertion stage was higher than that of hydroxyapatite. However, hydroxyapatite is likely a better clinical alternative to polymethylmethacrylate, as hydroxyapatite augmentation, unlike polymethylmethacrylate augmentation, stimulates bone growth and can be revised.

Biomechanical comparison of cervical fixation via transarticular facet screws without rods versus lateral mass screws with rods.

OBJECTIVE: Transarticular facet screws restore biomechanical stability to the cervical spine when posterior cervical anatomy has been compromised. This study compares the more recent, less invasive, and briefer transarticular facet screw system without rods with the lateral mass screw system with rods. METHODS: For this study, 6 human cervical spines were obtained from cadavers. Transarticular facet screws without rods were inserted bilaterally into the inferior articular facets at the C5-C6 and C5-C6-C7 levels. Lateral mass screws with rods were inserted bilaterally at the same levels using Magerl's technique. All specimens underwent range of motion (ROM) testing by a material testing machine for flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. RESULTS: Both fixation methods, transarticular facet screws without rods and lateral mass screws with rods, reduced all ROM measurements and increased spinal stiffness. No statistically significant differences between the 2 stabilization methods were found in ROM measurements for 1-level insertions. However, in 2-level insertions, ROM for the nonrod transarticular facet screw group was significantly increased for flexion-extension and lateral bending. CONCLUSIONS: Transarticular facet screws without rods and lateral mass screws with rods had similar biomechanical stability in single-level insertions. For 2-level insertions, transarticular facet screws without rods are a valid option in cervical spine repair.

Pituitary stalk Langerhans cell histiocytosis treated with CyberKnife radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare idiopathic disease that is characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans histiocytes in various parts of the body. These atypical cells have been found to infiltrate single or multiple organs, including bone, lungs, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and skin. Central nervous system invasion in LCH patients has rarely been reported, especially in the adult population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe three histopathologically confirmed cases of adult LCH that involves both the pituitary stalk and hypothalamus, and report our limited experience of such cases in this location that has been treated with CyberKnife radio surgery. CONCLUSION: The treatment goal of controlling lesion growth is achieved by CyberKnife radiosurgery in this case series. All patients tolerated the treatment well without obvious complications.

A giant cell tumor of the cranial base treated by stereotactic radiosurgery.

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) developing from the cranial bones are rare. Occurrence of these tumors in the vicinity of eloquent areas precludes complete excision. Fractionated external beam radiotherapy (FEBRT) has been used for those cases, but with inconsistent outcomes. The authors report a case of a patient with a GCT involving the left occiput which was successfully treated by CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (CK RS). There was improvement in the neurological deficit and occipital pain without adjunctive treatment. This is the first report of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) adopted as a primary treatment modality for a cranial GCT.

Biomechanical comparison of single-level posterior versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions with bilateral pedicle screw fixation: segmental stability and the effects on adjacent motion segments.

OBJECT: Both posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) have been frequently undertaken for lumbar arthrodesis. These procedures use different approaches and cage designs, each of which could affect spine stability, even after the addition of posterior pedicle screw fixation. The objectives of this biomechanical study were to compare PLIF and TLIF, each accompanied by bilateral pedicle screw fixation, with regard to the stability of the fused and adjacent segments. METHODS: Fourteen human L2-S2 cadaveric spine specimens were tested for 6 different modes of motion: flexion, extension, right and left lateral bending, and right and left axial rotation using a load control protocol (LCP). The LCP for each mode of motion utilized moments up to 8.0 Nm at a rate of 0.5 Nm/second with the application of a constant compression follower preload of 400 N. All 14 specimens were tested in the intact state. The specimens were then divided equally into PLIF and TLIF conditions. In the PLIF Group, a bilateral L4-5 partial facetectomy was followed by discectomy and a single-level fusion procedure. In the TLIF Group, a unilateral L4-5 complete facetectomy was performed (and followed by the discectomy and single-level fusion procedure). In the TLIF Group, the implants were initially positioned inside the disc space posteriorly (TLIF-P) and the specimens were tested; the implants were then positioned anteriorly (TLIF-A) and the specimens were retested. All specimens were evaluated at the reconstructed and adjacent segments for range of motion (ROM) and at the adjacent segments for intradiscal pressure (IDP), and laminar strain. RESULTS: At the reconstructed segment, both the PLIF and the TLIF specimens had significantly lower ROMs compared with those for the intact state (p < 0.05). For lateral bending, the PLIF resulted in a marked decrease in ROM that was statistically significantly greater than that found after TLIF (p < 0.05). In flexion-extension and rotation, the PLIF Group also had less ROM, however, unlike the difference in lateral bending ROM, these differences in ROM values were not statistically significant. Variations in the position of the implants within the disc space were not associated with any significant differences in ROM values (p = 0.43). Analyses of ROM at the adjacent levels L2-3, L3-4, and L5-S1 showed that ROM was increased to some degree in all directions. When compared with that of intact specimens, the ROMs were increased to a statistically significant degree at all adjacent segments in flexion-extension loads (p < 0.05); however, the differences in values among the various operative procedures were not statistically significant. The IDP and facet contact force for the adjacent L3-4 and L5-S1 levels were also increased, but these values were not statistically significantly increased from those for the intact spine (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding stability, PLIF provides a higher immediate stability compared with that of TLIF, especially in lateral bending. Based on our findings, however, PLIF and TLIF, each with posterolateral fusions, have similar biomechanical properties regarding ROM, IDP, and laminar strain at the adjacent segments.

Surgical strategies for managing foraminal nerve sheath tumors: the emerging role of CyberKnife ablation.

Sixteen Stanford University Medical Center (SUMC) patients with foraminal nerve sheath tumors had charts reviewed. CyberKnife radiosurgery was innovative in management. Parameters were evaluated for 16 foraminal nerve sheath tumors undergoing surgery, some with CyberKnife. Three neurofibromas had associated neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Eleven patients had one resection; others had CyberKnife after one (two) and two (three) operations. The malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) had prior field-radiation and adds another case. Approaches included laminotomy and laminectomies with partial (three) or total (two) facetectomies/fusions. Two cases each had supraclavicular, lateral extracavitary, retroperitoneal and Wiltze and costotransversectomy/thoracotomy procedures. Two underwent a laminectomy/partial facetectomy, then CyberKnife. Pre-CyberKnife, one of two others had a laminectomy/partial facetectomy, then total facetectomy/fusion and the other, two supraclavicular approaches. The MPNST had a hemi-laminotomy then laminectomy/total facetectomy/fusion, followed by CyberKnife. Roots were preserved, except in two. Of 11 single-operation-peripheral nerve sheath tumors, the asymptomatic case remained stable, nine (92%) improved and one (9%) worsened. Examinations remained intact in three (27%) and improved in seven (64%). Two having a single operation then CyberKnife had improvement after both. Of two undergoing two operations, one had symptom resolution post-operatively, worsened 4 years post-CyberKnife then has remained unchanged after re-operation. The other such patient improved post-operatively, had no change after re-operation and improved post-CyberKnife. The MPNST had presentation improvement after the first operation, worsened and after the second surgery \and CyberKnife, the patient expired from tumor spread. In conclusion, surgery is beneficial for pain relief and function preservation in foraminal nerve sheath tumors. Open surgery with CyberKnife is an innovation in these tumors' management.

Upper-extremity peripheral nerve injuries: a Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center literature review with comparison of the operative outcomes of 1837 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center median, radial, and ulnar nerve lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Data from three Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) publications were summarized for median, radial, and ulnar nerve injuries. METHODS: Lesion types, repair techniques, and outcomes were compared for 1837 upper-extremity nerve lesions. RESULTS: Sharp laceration injury repair outcomes at various levels for median and radial nerves were equally good (91% each) and better than those for the ulnar nerve (73%). Secondary suture and graft repair outcomes were better for the median nerve (78% and 68%, respectively) than for the radial nerve (69% and 67%, respectively) and ulnar nerve (69% and 56%, respectively). In-continuity lesions with positive nerve action potentials during intraoperative testing underwent neurolysis with good results for the median (97%), radial (98%), and ulnar nerves (94%). For radial, median, and ulnar nerve in-continuity lesions with negative intraoperative nerve action potentials, good results occurred after suture repair in 88%, 86%, and 75% and after graft repair in 86%, 75% and 56%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Good outcomes after median and radial nerve repairs are attributable to the following factors: the median nerve's innervation of proximal, large finger, and thumb flexors; and the radial nerve's similar innervation of proximal muscles that do not perform delicate movements. This is contrary to the ulnar nerve's major nerve supply to the distal fine intrinsic hand muscles, which require more extensive innervation. The radial nerve also has a motor fiber predominance, reducing cross-motor/sensory reinnervation, and radial nerve-innervated muscles perform similar functions, decreasing the chance of innervation of muscles with opposite functions.

Lower-extremity peripheral nerve injuries: a Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center literature review with comparison of the operative outcomes of 806 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center sciatic, common peroneal, and tibial nerve lesions.

OBJECTIVE: With the use of data from 3 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) publications, various parameters for buttock/thigh-level sciatic nerve and tibial and common peroneal divisions/nerve injuries were summarized, and outcomes were compared. METHODS: Data from 806 buttock/thigh-level sciatic nerve and tibial and common peroneal division/nerve injury repairs were summarized. Lesion types, repair techniques, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Acute lacerations undergoing suture repair were best for the thigh-then-buttock-level tibial (93%/73%) and then same-level common peroneal divisions (69%/30%); at the knee level, tibial outcomes (100%) were better than those for the common peroneal nerve (CPN) (84%). Secondary graft repairs for lacerations had good outcomes for the thigh-then-buttock-level tibial (80%/62%), followed by common peroneal divisions at the same levels (45%/24%). The knee/leg-level tibial nerve (94%) did better than the CPN (40%) here. In-continuity lesions with positive intraoperative nerve action potentials underwent neurolysis with better results for the thigh-then-buttock-level tibial division (95%/86%) than for same-level CPN (78%/69%). The knee/leg-level tibial nerve did better than the CPN (95%/93%). CONCLUSION: Better recovery of buttock- and thigh-level tibial division/nerve occurs because: 1) the CPN is lateral and thus vulnerable to a more severe injury; 2) the tibial nerve is more elastic at impact owing to its singular-fixation site (the CPN has a dual fixation); 3) the tibial nerve has a better blood supply and regeneration; 4) the tibial nerve has a higher force-absorbing fascicle/connective tissue count than the CPN; and 5) the tibial nerve-innervated gastrocnemius soleus requires less reinnervation for functional contraction than deep peroneal branches, which innervate long, thin extensor muscles at multiple sites and require coordinated nerve input for effective contraction.

Imaging correlation of the degree of degenerative L4-5 spondylolisthesis with the corresponding amount of facet fluid.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to correlate the degree of L4-5 spondylolisthesis on plain flexion-extension radiographs with the corresponding amount of L4-5 facet fluid visible on MR images. METHODS: Patients underwent evaluation at the Neurosurgical Spine Clinics of Stanford University Medical Center and National Health Insurance Medical Center (Goyang, South Korea) between January 2006 and December 2007. Only patients who were diagnosed with L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and who had both lumbosacral flexion-extension radiographs and MR images available for review were eligible for this study. Each patient's dynamic motion index (DMI) was measured using the lateral lumbosacral plain radiograph and was the percentage of the degree of anterior slippage seen on flexion versus that seen on extension. Axial T2-weighted MR images of the L4-5 facet joints obtained in each patient was analyzed for the amount of facet fluid, using the image showing the widest portion of the facets. The facet fluid index was calculated from the ratio of the sum of the amounts of facet fluid found in the right plus left facets over the sum of the average widths of the right plus left facet joints. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients with L4-5 DS were included in this study. Of these 54 patients, facet fluid was noted on MR images in 29 patients (53.7%), and their mean DMI was 6.349 +/- 2.726. Patients who did not have facet fluid on MR imaging had a mean DMI of 1.542 +/- 0.820; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was a positive linear association between the facet fluid index and the DMI in the group of patients who exhibited facet fluid on MR images (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.560, p < 0.01). In the subgroup of 29 patients with L4-5 DS who showed facet fluid on MR images, flexion-extension plain radiographs in 10 (34.5%) showed marked anterolisthesis, while the corresponding MR images did not. CONCLUSIONS: There is a linear correlation between the degree of segmental motion seen on flexion-extension plain radiography in patients with DS at L4-5 and the amount of L4-5 facet fluid on MR images. If L4-5 facet fluid in patients with DS is seen on MR images, a corresponding anterolisthesis on weight-bearing flexion-extension lateral radiographs should be anticipated. Obtaining plain radiographs will aid in the diagnosis of anterolisthesis caused by an L4-5 hypermobile segment, which may not always be evident on MR images obtained in supine patients.

Foraminal nerve sheath tumors: intermediate follow-up after cyberknife radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a retrospective review of outcomes in 15 patients with 18 foraminal tumors, including 17 benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors and 1 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, who underwent CyberKnife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) radiosurgery at Stanford University Medical Center from 1999 to 2006. METHODS: Symptoms and findings, neurofibromatosis (NF) association, previous radiation, imaging, dosimetry, tumor volume, central necrosis, and the relation of these factors to outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Before treatment, 1 asymptomatic patient had radiculopathic findings, 3 patients experienced local pain with intact neurological examinations, and 7 patients had radiculopathic complaints with intact (1 patient), radiculopathic (4 patients), or radiculomyelopathic examinations (2 patients). Five patients had myelopathic complaints and findings. Three patients had NF1-associated neurofibromas, 1 patient with NF2 had a schwannoma, and 1 patient had a schwannomatosis-related lesion. Two likely radiation-induced lesions, a neurofibroma and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, were observed. Prescribed doses ranging from 16 to 24 Gy, delivered in 1 to 3 fractions of 6 to 20 Gy, resulted in maximum tumor doses ranging from 20.9 to 30 Gy. Target volumes ranged from 1.36 to 16.9 mL. After radiosurgery, the asymptomatic case remained asymptomatic, and neurological findings improved. Thirteen of 15 symptomatic patients with (12 patients) or without (3 patients) neurological findings improved (3 cases after resection) or remained stable, and 2 patients worsened. Symptoms and examinations remained stable or improved in 8 (80%) of 10 patients with schwannomas and 3 (60%) of 5 patients with neurofibromas. Tumor volumes decreased in 12 (67%) of 18 tumors and increased in 3 tumors. Tumor volumes decreased in 8 of 10 schwannomas and 3 of 7 neurofibromas. Central necrosis developed in 8 (44%) of 18 tumors. CONCLUSION: CyberKnife radiosurgery resulted in pain relief and functional preservation in selected foraminal peripheral nerve sheath tumors and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Symptomatic and neurological improvements were more noticeable with schwannomas. Myelopathic symptoms may necessitate surgical debulking before radiosurgery.

Surgical treatment and outcomes in 45 cases of posterior interosseous nerve entrapments and injuries.

OBJECT: The authors report data in 45 surgically treated posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) entrapments or injuries. METHODS: Forty-five PIN entrapments or injuries were managed surgically between 1967 and 2004 at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) or Stanford University Medical Center. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively. The LSUHSC grading system was used to assess PIN-innervated muscle function. Injuries were caused by nontraumatic (21 PIN entrapments and four tumors) and traumatic (nine lacerations, eight fractures, and three contusions) mechanisms. Presentations included weakness in the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, causing compromised wrist extension and radial drift; extensor digitorum, indicis, and digiti minimi muscles with paretic finger extension; extensor pollicis brevis and longus muscles with weak thumb extension; and abductor pollicis longus muscle with rare decreased thumb abduction due to substitutions of the median nerve-innervated abductor pollicis brevis muscle and, at 90 degrees, the extensor pollicis brevis and longus muscles. Preoperative evaluations consisted of electromyography and nerve conduction studies, elbow and forearm plain x-ray films, and magnetic resonance imaging for tumor detection. At surgery, in continuity lesions were found in 21 entrapments and three fracture-related and three contusion injuries; all transmitted nerve action potentials (NAPs) and were treated with neurolysis. Five fracture-related PIN injuries, one of which was a lacerating injury, were in continuity and transmitted no NAPs; graft repairs were performed in all of these cases. Among nine lacerations, three PINs appeared in continuity, although intraoperative NAPs were absent. Two of these nerves were treated with secondary end-to-end suture anastomosis repair and one with secondary graft repair. There were six transected lacerations: three were treated with primary suture anastomosis repair, two with secondary suture anastomosis, and one with graft repair. Four tumors involving the PIN were resected. Most muscles innervated by 45 PINs had LSUHSC Grade 3 or better functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Forty-five PIN entrapments or injuries responded well to PIN release and/or repair.

Surgical treatment and outcomes in 15 patients with anterior interosseous nerve entrapments and injuries.

OBJECT: The authors present data obtained in 15 surgically treated patients with anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) entrapments and injuries. METHODS: Fifteen patients with AIN entrapments and injuries underwent surgery between 1967 and 1997 at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) or Stanford University Medical Center. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively. The LSUHSC grading system was used to evaluate the function of muscles supplied by the AIN. Nontraumatic injuries included seven AIN compressions by bone or soft tissue. Traumatic injury mechanisms consisted of stretch or contusion (six patients), injection (one patient), and burn scar (one patient). Presentations included weakness in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscle to the index finger, FDP muscle to the middle finger, pronator quadratus muscle, and flexion of the distal phalanx of the thumb. Preoperative evaluations included electromyography and nerve conduction studies as well as elbow and forearm plain radiographs. On surgery, lesions in continuity involved seven compressions, four stretch or contusion injuries, and one injection injury, all of which demonstrated nerve action potentials (NAPs) and were treated with neurolysis. Among the seven compression and four stretch or contusion injury cases, six and three patients, respectively, had LSUHSC Grade 3 or better functional recoveries postoperatively. Two stretch or contusion injuries involved lesions in continuity but demonstrated negative NAPs at surgery. Thus, each was treated using a graft repair after resection of a neuroma. There was one burn scar injury, which was treated via an end-to-end suture anastomosis, leading to a functional recovery better than Grade 3. CONCLUSIONS: Fifteen AIN entrapments or injuries responded favorably to nerve release and/or repair.

Neurofibromatosis-associated nerve sheath tumors. Case report and review of the literature.

In this paper the authors describe a patient with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) who presented with sequelae of this disease. They also review the current literature on NF1 and NF2 published between 2001 and 2005. The method used to obtain information for the case report consisted of a family member interview and a review of the patient's chart. For the literature review the authors used the search engine Ovid Medline to identify papers published on the topic between 2001 and 2005. Neurofibromatosis Type 1 appears in approximately one in 2500 to 4000 births, is caused by a defect on 17q11.2, and results in neurofibromin inactivation. The authors reviewed the current literature with regard to the following aspects of this disease: 1) diagnostic criteria for NF1; 2) criteria for other NF1-associated manifestations; 3) malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs); 4) the examination protocol for a patient with an NF1-related NST; 5) imaging findings in patients with NF1; 6) other diagnostic studies; 7) surgical and adjuvant treatment for NSTs and malignant PNSTs; and 8) hormone receptors in NF1-related tumors. Pertinent illustrations are included. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 occurs much less frequently than NF1, that is, in one in 33,000 births. Mutations in NF2 occur on 22q12 and result in inactivation of the tumor suppressor merlin. The following data on this disease are presented: 1) diagnostic criteria for NF2; 2) criteria for other NF2 manifestations; 3) malignant PNSTs in patients with NF2; 4) examination protocol for the patient with NF2 who has an NST; and 5) imaging findings in patients with NF2. Relevant illustrations are included. It is important that neurosurgeons be aware of the sequelae of NF1 and NF2, because they may be called on to treat these conditions.

Endoscopic harvesting of the sural nerve graft: technical note.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: The sural nerve is the donor nerve most commonly used for peripheral nerve reconstruction. The objective of this paper is to present an endoscopic technique for harvesting these sural nerve grafts, using the Guidant VasoView Uniport Plus device (Guidant Corp., Indianapolis, IN), originally designed to obtain the saphenous vein. The importance of this technique is its use of a small, 12-mm incision for removing the entire sural nerve, which is an improvement over the two, three, or one 3-cm incisions(s) for sural nerve harvesting described in other publications. Endoscopic techniques, in general, replace the former open technique requiring a longitudinal incision along the entire posterior lower leg, which is a distinct advantage. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Two cases of patients with lesions requiring sural nerve grafts are presented. Nerve action potential recordings showed no transmission in each case and nerve grafts were required for repair of these lesions after their resection to healthy-appearing tissue. INTERVENTION: The first patient had a stretch contusion injury extending from the right C5 and C6 roots to the upper trunk (UT) and UT outflow to the suprascapular nerve (SSN). This patient required a sural nerve graft 20 cm in length, which was harvested by the described endoscopic technique within 20 minutes. The second patient had in continuity lesions involving the C5 and C6 roots to the UT including the SSN and the C7-middle trunk to posterior spinal cord. These lesions required a 31-cm sural nerve graft harvested via the endoscopic technique in 25 minutes. CONCLUSION: When compared with the open techniques, the endoscopic method using the Guidant VasoView Uniport Plus device has the advantages of being fast, less traumatic, safer, and resulting in a more aesthetic technique.

Gunshot wounds involving the brachial plexus: surgical techniques and outcomes.

This paper presents the management and outcomes for two consecutive operative series of gunshot wounds (GSWs) involving the brachial plexus. The cases were from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and were obtained by retrospective chart reviews. Series 1 includes patients with injuries managed between 1968 and 1980 and series 2, from 1981 to 1998. Pre- and postoperative motor function was assessed using the LSUHSC grading system. The outcomes for each surgical technique for each series are presented. Fewer cases of brachial plexus elements injured by GSWs in series 2 may be due to decreased firearm-related injuries between 1993-1997, i.e., 39,595 versus 32,436 deaths, respectively. The graft repair increase in series 2 may have been the result of more severe injuries, since documented trends between 1971 and 1997 show the use of larger caliber bullets. This paper shows that with the outlined management and surgical techniques, surgery on certain GSWs of the brachial plexus is worthwhile.

Lacerations to the brachial plexus: surgical techniques and outcomes.

The charts of patients with 201 brachial plexus elements sustaining operative lacerations and managed at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) were reviewed retrospectively. Results for elements injured by sharp transections and undergoing suture repairs performed within 72 hr, as well as secondary suture and secondary graft repairs are documented. Similarly, results for secondary end-to-end suture anastomosis and secondary graft repairs for elements sustaining blunt transections are reviewed. Results for neurolysis, end-to-end suture anastomosis, and graft repairs for plexus elements in continuity despite the laceration injury are reviewed. Outcomes for the LSUHSC series of brachial plexus lacerations are one of the best of all LSUHSC plexus injuries, even for elements generally viewed as unfavorable for repair. Lesions in continuity with positive nerve action potentials (NAPs) had the best outcomes.