Adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries: advances and current updates.

Nerve grafting, tendon transfer and joint fusion are routinely used to improve the upper limb function in patients with brachial plexus palsies. Newer techniques have been developed that provide additional options for reconstruction. Nerve transfer is a tool for restoring upper limb function in total root avulsions where nerve grafting is not possible. In partial brachial plexus injuries, nerve transfers can greatly improve shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand function. Intraoperative electrical stimulation can be used to diagnose precisely which nerve is injured and to choose which nerve fascicles should be transferred. Finally, measuring the postoperative outcome can improve the evaluation of our techniques. The aim of this article was to present the current techniques used to treat patients with brachial plexus injury.

Tendon transfer from a re-innervated triceps to the biceps for restoration of elbow flexion in total brachial plexus palsy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the tendon transfer from a reinnervated triceps to biceps in the context of total brachial plexus palsy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study. Patients had reinnervation of the triceps either by spontaneous recovery or by nerve transfer. Functional results were assessed by strength and range of motion. The level of patient satisfaction was measured on a scale from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Six patients (6 transfers) were included. Two triceps had spontaneous reinnervation and the other four through neurotization of intercostal nerves. All patients recovered strength to M4 in flexion with an average secondary deficit of 10° (5°-15°). The mean level of satisfaction was measured at 7/10 (6-8). CONCLUSIONS: This tendon transfer is a reliable and simple solution for supportive restoration of elbow flexion. Systematic reinnervation of active extension of the elbow should be proposed for the gain in function that it represents but also for the supportive therapeutic opportunity that it offers should nerve surgery for elbow flexion fail.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the hand from biplanar X-rays: Assessment of accuracy and reliability.

BACKGROUND: Functional disorders of the hand are generally investigated first using conventional radiographic imaging. However, X-rays (two-dimensional (2D)) provide limited information and the information may be reduced by overlapping bones and projection bias. This work presents a three-dimensional (3D) hand reconstruction method from biplanar X-rays. METHOD: This approach consists of the deformation of a generic hand model on biplanar X-rays by manual and automatic processes. The reference examination being the manual CT segmentation, the precision of the method was evaluated by a comparison between the reconstructions from biplanar X-rays and the corresponding reconstructions from the CT scan (0.3mm section thickness). To assess the reproducibility of the method, 6 healthy hands (6 subjects, 3 left, 3 men) were considered. Two operators repeated each reconstruction from biplanar X-rays three times to study inter- and intra-operator variability. Three anatomical parameters that could be calculated automatically from the reconstructions were considered from the bone surfaces: the length of the scaphoid, the depth of the distal end of the radius and the height of the trapezius. RESULTS: Double the root mean square error (2 Root Mean Square, 2RMS) at the point/area difference between biplanar X-rays and computed tomography reconstructions ranged from 0.46mm for the distal phalanges to 1.55mm for the bones of the distal carpals. The inter-intra-observer variability showed precision with a 95% confidence interval of less than 1.32mm for the anatomical parameters, and 2.12mm for the bone centroids. DISCUSSION: The current method allows to obtain an accurate 3D reconstruction of the hand and wrist compared to the traditional segmented CT scan. By improving the automation of the method, objective information about the position of the bones in space could be obtained quickly. The value of this method lies in the early diagnosis of certain ligament pathologies (carpal instability) and it also has implications for surgical planning and personalized finite element modeling. LEVEL OF PROOF: Basic sciences.

Improving the detection of subscapularis tears using a specific transverse CT arthrography image.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of subscapularis (SSC) tendon tears is often underestimated. This negatively impacts the shoulder function because the SSC muscle is a powerful internal rotator. The primary aim of this study was to compare a blended clinical and radiological preoperative index of suspicion for SSC tears to the arthroscopic findings. The secondary aim was to compare the surgeon's and radiologist's index of suspicion to determine which is more accurate. HYPOTHESIS: Analyzing a transverse image passing under the tip of the coracoid process, in combination with clinical examination, will be the standard for detecting SSC tears. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 50 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Preoperatively, four clinical tests were doneto detect SSC tears: lift-off, internal rotation lag sign, bear-hug, belly-press. A CT arthrography slice passing under the coracoid process tip was analyzed by the surgeon. The surgeon deduced a radiological index of suspicion for SSC tears then a blended clinical and radiological index of suspicion based on the clinical examination. Lastly, the surgeon looked at the radiologist's findings and index of suspicion for a lesion. The three indexes of suspicion were compared with the actual arthroscopy findings. RESULTS: The surgeon's blended clinical and radiological index of suspicion was similar to his radiological index. Both of the surgeon's indexes of suspicion were higher than the radiologist's. The prevalence of SSC tears was 58 %. DISCUSSION: We recommend doing multiple clinical tests as they complement each other in detecting SSC tears, since each one activates a different portion of the muscle. We advise surgeons to supplement their clinical examination by analyzing a specific image of the tendon below the coracoid, as the reference view for the starting point of SSC tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, prospective diagnostic study on consecutive patients.

Repair of the femoral nerve by two motor branches of the obturator nerve: A case report.

Complete femoral nerve palsies are uncommon but devastating injuries when they are caused by large nerve defects. Direct repair is usually not possible and nerve grafting renders uncertain outcomes. Recent studies proposed different peripheral nerve transfers as treatment strategies for large femoral nerve defects. We report a clinical application of a nerve transfer to reinnervate the quadriceps muscle with two motor branches of the obturator nerve in a 48 years-old man that was diagnosed with a femoral nerve palsy after resection of a retroperitoneal schwannoma. The branches supplying the gracilis and adductor longus muscles were transferred to the motor branch of the femoral nerve to the quadriceps muscle at 6 months postinjury. At 34 months of follow-up, knee extension was quoted M4. The presented nerve transfer may be feasible, technically simple, and renders good functional outcomes.

Partial ulnar nerve transfer to the branch of the long head of the triceps to recover elbow extension in C5, C6 and C7 brachial plexus palsy.

Elbow flexion is the first goal in upper partial brachial plexus palsy treatment. However, elbow extension is essential for daily living activities. To recover this function, one fascicle of ulnar nerve can be transferred to the branch of the long head of the triceps, but this procedure has been previously published in only two patients. The goal of our study is to assess a larger series of transfers of one fascicle of ulnar nerve to the branch of the long head of the triceps to help patients recover elbow extension. Ten male patients with C5, C6 and C7 brachial plexus injuries underwent operation. For shoulder recovery, we transferred the spinal accessory nerve and rhomboid nerve. For elbow flexion, one fascicle of median nerve was transferred to the nerve of the biceps. For elbow extension, we transferred one fascicle of ulnar nerve to the branch of the long head of the triceps. Tendon transfers were performed for wrist and finger extension. Nine patients recovered M4 elbow flexion and extension. One patient had M3 elbow extension and flexion. Average active shoulder elevation was 85° and average active shoulder external rotation was 65° All patients recovered finger and wrist extension. The classical techniques of grafts or phrenic or intercostal nerve transfers to recover elbow extension are not always reliable, according to the literature. Because the harvested ulnar nerve motor fascicle is close to the branch of the long head of the triceps, the recovery time for this procedure is shorter than that of other described nerve transfers. The isolated recovery of the reinnervated long head of the triceps muscle excludes spontaneous recovery occasionally noted in upper root plexus injuries. The transfer of one fascicle of ulnar nerve to the branch of the long head of the triceps is reliable for active elbow extension recovery in C5, C6 and C7 brachial plexus palsies.

In-office shoulder arthroscopy and tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon-a cadaveric feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Studies have shown that isolated tenotomy of the long head of the biceps (LHB) improves significantly pain scores, active range of motion and Constant score in elderly patients with massive and irreparable cuff tears with no osteoarthritis. This cadaveric study was performed to assess the feasibility of a tenotomy of the LHB and subacromial corticosteroid injection using a minimally invasive in-office setting under local anaesthesia on awake patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty scare-free shoulders were included in the study. We performed the procedure in an in-office setting using a wrist arthroscope with no fluid, connected to wireless camera and light source. A standard shoulder arthroscopy was finally performed in order to analyse the tenotomy quality and detect possible iatrogenic lesions. RESULTS: The LHB tendon was cut fully in all cases, the mean length of the proximal stump of the LHB was 0.4 cm (range, 0.3-0.7 mm) and the mean duration of the surgery was 3.5 minutes (range, 2.43-3.86 min). No iatrogenic lesion occurred during the in-office procedure. CONCLUSION: This cadaveric study suggests that it is feasible and safe to perform, under local anaesthesia, a minimally invasive arthroscopic tenotomy of the LHB and subacromial injection using an in-office setting. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the reliability, indication and effectiveness of this technique.

Proximal Row Carpectomy with Resurfacing Capitate Pyrocarbon Implant with Bone Graft for Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse III Wrist with Total Intramedullary Bone Resorption of the Capitate: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: One treatment of advanced carpal collapse with osteoarthritis of the midcarpal joint can be proximal row carpectomy (PRC) with pyrocarbon prosthesis implant, replacing the head of the capitate. We report a case of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) III wrist with intramedullary bone resorption of the capitate. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old man had major functional impotence of the wrist and right hand with an extremely evolved SNAC III wrist with completely intramedullary bone resorption of the capitate. On the basis of this diagnosis and due to refractory severe pain that did not respond to conservative treatment, we discussed 3 therapeutic options: PRC with resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant (RCPI) in case of a possible large bone graft intraoperatively, a pyrocarbon intermediate prosthesis like adaptative proximal scaphoid implant which is interposed between the radius and the second carpal row, or a complete arthrodesis of the wrist. He was successfully managed by capitate pyrocarbon prosthesis associated with capitate bone graft. The patient presented no pain and was satisfied with the operation. The X-ray showed a stable prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Treatment of advanced carpal collapse with osteoarthritis of the midcarpal joint can be PRC with RCPI. However, when bone resorption of the capitate exists, surgical treatment usually is a wrist arthrodesis which is a good pain relief but blocks all movements. PRC with RCPI with bone graft can be a good alternative solution with pain relief and preservation of wrist mobility.

Suprascapular Nerve Partial Section by the Transverse Scapular Ligament: One Case.

We present a case of suprascapular nerve idiopathic total palsy lasting for 2 years, with intraoperative finding of suprascapular nerve partial section by the superior transverse scapular ligament. This highlights the importance of early surgical management with an open procedure for suprascapular neuropathy of unknown etiology.

Loop biceps tenotomy: an arthroscopic technique for long head of biceps tenotomy.

The long head of the biceps tendon is frequently involved in shoulder pathologies, often in relation to inflammatory or degenerative damage to the rotator cuff. Biceps tenodesis in the bicipital groove and tenotomy are the main treatment options. Tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon is a simpler and quicker procedure than tenodesis, and it does not require the use of implants. However, retraction of the biceps tendon, leading to Popeye deformity, and biceps muscle cramps are common complications after tenotomy. Therefore we propose an arthroscopic technique for tenotomy that limits the risk of Popeye deformity. This procedure consists of creating a loop at the severed end of the biceps tendon, which prevents the tendon from retracting into the bicipital groove.

The "turtleneck" pulley plasty for finger flexor tendon repair.

Injuries to the flexor tendons are frequent. Even when correctly treated, they can cause a loss of mobility of the digits secondary to postoperative adhesions. Further, conflicts between the tendon suture and the pulleys can limit the range of motion of the tendon and the flexion of the fingers. We propose a new pulley plasty that permits immediate retraining and avoids conflict with the tendon suture. Ten patients underwent surgery for a tendon injury in zone II, with no lesions of the associated pedicles. The tendons were repaired by a 4-strand stitch technique associated with a continuous peritendinous suture. Pulley plasty was systematically performed on A2, A4, or both. Eight patients recovered a satisfactory range of motion with a finger to palm distance of <1 cm, and 2 others with a distance of <2 cm. Two tenolyses were performed, for which no secondary reconstruction of the pulleys was necessary. This plasty technique is simple to carry out, reliable, and reproducible. Because it facilitates tendon repair and reinforces the existing pulleys, it permits immediate retraining and controlled active mobilization.

Transfer of two motor branches of the anterior obturator nerve to the motor portion of the femoral nerve: an anatomical feasibility study.

Femoral nerve lesions are uncommon, but very distressing at the functional level because of the absence of knee locking mechanism by the quadriceps muscle. We propose here a new neurotization procedure of obturator nerve motor branches to the motor portion of the femoral nerve in the thigh. This study was conducted on five cadavers. The motor portion of the femoral nerve and the motor branches of the obturator nerve, supplying the gracilis and adductor longus muscles, were isolated. The distance between nerve endings and diameter were measured to determine if a direct neurorrhaphy was possible between the femoral nerve and the two united branches of the obturator nerve. The overlap between the two nerve endings was 26 mm on average, and the mean diameter of the two nerve endings was 3.6 mm for the united branches of the obturator nerve and 3.7 mm for the femoral nerve. Thus, a direct suture was possible in all cases. In this anatomical study, access to the femoral nerve and two united branches of the obturator nerve was easy, in contrast to transfer in the pelvis. Moreover, direct suture without tension was possible in all cases. Thus, this transfer is simple and perfectly reproducible and may have a clinical application in proximal femoral nerve injuries.

The sensory-motor bridge neurorraphy: an anatomic study of feasibility between sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve and deep branch of the radial nerve.

INTRODUCTION: Restoring elbow flexion remains the first step in the management of total palsy of the brachial plexus. Non avulsed upper roots may be grafted on the musculocutaneous nerve. When this nerve is entirely grafted, some motor fibres regenerate within the sensory fibres quota. Aiming potential utilization of these lost motor fibres, we attempted suturing the sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve onto the deep branch of the radial nerve. The objective of our study was to assess the anatomic feasibility of such direct suturing of the terminal sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve onto the deep branch of the radial nerve. METHODS: The study was carried out with 10 upper limbs from fresh cadavers. The sensory branch of the musculocutaneous muscle was dissected right to its division. The motor branch of the radial nerve was identified and dissected as proximally as possible into the radial nerve. Then, the distance separating the two nerves was measured so as to assess whether direct neurorraphy of the two branches was feasible. RESULTS: The excessive distance between the two branches averaged 6 mm (1-13 mm). Thus, direct neurorraphy of the sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve and the deep branch of the radial nerve was possible. CONCLUSIONS: When the whole musculocutaneous nerve is grafted, some of its motor fibres are lost amongst the sensory fibres (cutaneous lateral antebrachial nerve). By suturing this sensory branch onto the deep branch of the radial nerve, "lost" fibres may be retrieved, resulting in restoration of digital extension.

Capitate pyrocarbon prosthesis in radiocarpal osteoarthritis.

Scapholunate dissociation or scaphoid pseudarthrosis may lead to osteoarthritis of the wrist. When osteoarthritis affects the midcarpal joint, proximal row carpectomy is no longer possible and only 4 corners fusion or capitolunate arthrodesis may be indicated. However, in some cases, osteoarthritis or bone necrosis may involve the lunatum, making partial arthrodeses impossible. Total arthrodesis may be proposed in such cases, but with a loss of range-of-motion. Total prosthesis may be considered but the results of this procedure are not always encouraging. Consequently, in these situations, we perform pyrocarbon prosthesis implant, replacing the head of the capitatum. This article describes the procedure and the results of a preliminary study.

Reanimation of elbow extension with intercostal nerves transfers in total brachial plexus palsies.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of flexion in the elbow is the priority in the management of brachial plexus injuries. Current techniques of reconstructions, combining both nerve grafting and nerve transfer, allow more extensive repair, with additional targets: shoulder, elbow extension, hand. The transfer of intercostal nerves onto the nerve of the triceps long head is used to restore elbow extension. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results of this procedure, in total brachial plexus palsies with uninjured C5 and C6 roots. METHODS: Eleven patients with total brachial plexus injury were reviewed 24 months in average after intercostal nerves transfer. The average age of the patients was twenty-nine years. The average time to surgery after occurrence of the injury was 5 months. Triceps re-innervation and strength of elbow extension were evaluated. RESULTS: The averaged time required for triceps re-innervation after intercostal nerve transfer was 9 months. Seven patients achieved M4 elbow extension according to the Medical Research Council grading system. Two patients achieved M3 elbow extension. Two patients had poor results (M2 and M0). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Transfer of intercostal nerves onto the nerve of the triceps long head is a reliable procedure for the restoration of elbow extension in total brachial plexus palsy.

Restoration of active fingers flexion with tensor fascia lata transfer in total brachial plexus palsy.

In total brachial plexus palsy, fingers flexion restoration is a real challenge. Nerve surgery can generally restore shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. However, results of nerve grafts or nerve transfers are generally poor for hand function. As a matter of fact, the long distance between nerve sutures and terminal nerve branches in muscles decreases the rate of reinnervation. When finger flexion occurs, strength is generally weak and function remains fair. Therefore, we proposed a new technique to restore fingers flexion. The tensor fascia lata tendon is harvested and sutured between the biceps and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons. When elbow is flexed, the biceps muscle contraction pulls FDP tendons resulting in a partial but strong hand occlusion. This technique is an alternative to free muscle transfers or nerve surgery with reliable results.

Management of hand palsies in isolated C7 to T1 or C8, T1 root avulsions.

Thirteen patients were operated on for hand palsies in cases of C7 to T1 or C8, T1 root avulsions. Finger flexion and intrinsic function were paralyzed in all patients. Finger extension was paralyzed in 12 patients. Wrist flexion and extension were present in all patients. Tendon transfers were performed to restore the different functions. The extensor carpi radialis longus was transferred to the flexor digitorum profundus. The brachioradialis tendon was transferred to the flexor pollicis longus tendon for thumb flexion, with a tendon translocation procedure in 6 patients. Intrinsic function was reanimated with passive capsulorrhaphy techniques or other equivalent techniques in 9 patients. Extensor tenodesis was performed to restore hand opening with active wrist flexion in all patients. Moreover, sensory neurotization was performed to restore sensation on the ulnar side of the hand. All patients recovered finger flexion with an average pulp-to-palm distance of 2 cm. Finger extension occurred in 30 degrees wrist flexion. The average Kapandji score was 3. Key pinch was present in all patients. The average grip strength was 8 kg; the average key pinch was 5 kg. All patients recovered a protective sensation with a mean time of 19.5 months. Injury with C7 to T1 or C8, T1 root avulsions is a rare entity. Motor nerve surgery is not possible in these cases. However, surgery remains a challenge and may greatly improve these patients. Therefore, we propose a new tendon transfer and sensory neurotization protocol.

Nerve transfers in children with traumatic partial brachial plexus injuries.

Brachial plexus trauma is a rare condition in children except for obstetrical lesions, for which nerve grafting is generally proposed. Two children (9 and 12 years old) with C5 and C6 traumatic brachial plexus avulsion lesions are presented, where elbow flexion and shoulder abduction and external rotation were the functions to be restored. Nerve transfers have been performed. Shoulder abduction was restored by an accessory-to-suprascapular nerve transfer in one patient, while the triceps long head motor branch was transferred to the axillary nerve in both patients. Fascicles of the ulnar and median nerve were transferred respectively to the biceps muscle nerve and the brachialis motor branch. At 11 months follow-up, the elbow flexion scored M4 and the shoulder abduction recovered in both patients. No complications were observed. Nerve transfers currently used in adult patients may be applied in children with traumatic partial brachial plexus palsies.

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.