Hand function outcomes following surgical treatment of complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

PURPOSE: Although re-innervation of the hand is considered a priority in the treatment of infants with complete brachial plexus injury, there is currently a paucity of publications investigating hand function outcomes following primary nerve reconstruction in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). This study therefore aimed to evaluate hand function outcomes in a series of patients with complete NBPP. METHODS: This retrospective case series included all patients who underwent primary nerve surgery for complete neonatal brachial plexus palsy over an 8-year period. Outcomes were assessed using the Raimond Hand Scale. Classification of grade 3 or higher indicates a functional hand (assistance in bimanual activity). RESULTS: Nineteen patients with a complete NBPP underwent primary nerve reconstruction at a mean age of 3.7 months. Periodic clinical evaluations were performed until at least 4 years of age. According to the Raimondi hand scale, one patient did not recover (grade 0), three patients attained grade 1, four grade 2, ten grade 3, and in one grade 4. Overall hand functional recovery was achieved in 57.8% (11/19) of patients. CONCLUSION: Sufficient recovery of hand function to perform bimanual activity tasks in patients with complete NBPP lesions is possible and should be a priority in the surgical treatment of these infants.

Sir William Thorburn and the first published report of the surgical repair of a brachial plexus injury.

This historical vignette presents some aspects of the life of the English surgeon Sir William Thorburn and details of the first published report of the surgical repair of a brachial plexus stretch injury in an adult.

True neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: late outcomes from a surgical series.

BACKGROUND: True neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TNTOS) is rare, and evaluation of surgical treatment is limited to a few studies in the literature. The purpose of this study is to present the results from a surgical series of 21 patients with TNTOS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis on 21 patients diagnosed with TNTOS who underwent surgery. Demographic data and neurological status were characterized, and patients were classified in accordance with a pre-established scale for assessing the severity of hand impairment before and after surgery. Neuropathic pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional disability was quantified using the QuickDASH questionnaire. The results from before and after surgery were compared using the Wilcoxon test, and the significance level was taken to be 5%. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in VAS values from before to after the operation (Wilcoxon test: p = 0.0001; r = 0.86). Most patients (90%) improved after surgery, and in 85% of these patients, the VAS improvement was greater than 50%. Improvement in hand function occurred in seven patients (33.3%), and in most of these cases (28.6%), this improvement was classified as mild. Most patients (93.3%) showed moderate to very severe functional disability at the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: After surgery, only one-third of the cases showed improvement in motor function and most patients had significant functional disability. However, the improvement regarding pain was significant. Surgery to control this symptom should be recommended, even in cases of late presentation and severe motor impairment.

Interdigital direct neurorrhaphy for treatment of painful neuroma due to finger amputation.

BACKGROUND: Painful neuroma following amputation is a disabling condition for which treatments are not usually satisfactory. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the results of interdigital neurorrhaphy after neuroma resection as an option for the surgical treatment of painful digital neuroma. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed data from seven patients submitted to interdigital neurorrhaphy for treatment of digital neuroma. For evaluation of the results, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain assessment, measurements with Simmens-Weinstein filaments and a handgrip dynamometer, and quantification of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were all performed. The mean improvements on the VAS and DASH scores were calculated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 28.3 months. All patients presented some degree of improvement in upper limb functionality and pain, and handling the affected finger was possible in all cases. The mean improvement on the VAS and DASH scores was 29.8 and 55.5 %, respectively. No patients presented long-term complications. CONCLUSION: Although this study was based on a small number of patients, it indicates that interdigital neurorrhaphy seems to be a feasible surgical treatment for painful digital neuroma.

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the median nerve: An unusual cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma is a rare benign tumor-like condition that affects most commonly the median nerve. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through its typical appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the need for a nerve biopsy. There are divergent views regarding treatment of this entity, but open carpal tunnel release for nerve decompression currently constitutes the standard care for alleviation of compressive neuropathy of the median nerve. In this report, we describe a case of fibrolipomatous hamartoma that was diagnosed via MRI and underwent open carpal tunnel release, with alleviation of the patient's symptoms.

Functional outcome predictors after spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer for restoration of shoulder abduction in traumatic brachial plexus injuries in adults: the effect of time from injury to surgery.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder abduction is crucial for daily activities, and its restoration is one of the surgical priorities. We evaluated the predictive factors of shoulder abduction functional outcome after spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer, with special emphasis on the effect of time from injury to the surgery, in the treatment of traumatic brachial plexus injuries. METHOD: This cohort included adult patients who underwent SAN-to-SSN transfer with a preoperative Medical Research Council strength grade 0 and a follow-up of minimum 18 months. The primary outcome was shoulder abduction function (bad, < 30°; good, 30°-60°; or excellent, > 60°). Demographics, trauma characteristics, time lapse between injury and surgery, concomitant axillary nerve reconstruction, and surgery duration were registered. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify predictors of functional outcomes. RESULTS: The records of 83 patients (86.7% men, mean age 28.8 ± 9.8 years) were analysed. Mean body mass index was 24.1 ± 3.7 kg/m2, and 43.1% were overweight/obese. Motorcycle crashes were the most common trauma mechanism (88.0%). Excellent, good, and bad outcomes were achieved by 20.4%, 38.6%, and 41.0%, respectively. Older patients tended to have worse outcomes (p = 0.074), as well as left-sided lesions (p = 0.015) or those contralateral to manual dominance (p = 0.057). The longer the interval between injury and surgery the worse the outcome: excellent, 5.5 (4.3-7.1); good, 6.9 (5.9-8.7); and bad, 8.2 (5.7-10.1) months (p = 0.018). After multivariable analysis, longer time interval predicted lower odds of better outcomes (OR 0.823, 95% CI 0.699-0.970, p = 0.020; 17.7% lower odds of good or excellent outcome for each additional month). The odd of good or excellent outcomes was also associated with axillary nerve reconstruction (OR 2.767, 95% CI 1.016-7.536, p = 0.046), but not with age or lesion laterality. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent or good functional outcomes for shoulder abduction were achieved by almost sixty percent of adults who underwent SAN-to-SSN transfer for reconstruction of traumatic brachial plexus injuries, associated or not with axillary nerve reconstruction strategies. Longer delays from injury to surgery predicted worse outcomes, and the best time frame seemed to be less than 6 months.

Publication Trends of Nonobstetric Brachial Plexus Injury Research: A Bibliometric Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate publication trends in nonobstetric brachial plexus injury research. METHODS: In September 2020, Scopus was searched for articles on nonobstretric brachial plexus injury. Citation count, year of publication, country of corresponding author and its income category, destiny journal and its 5-year impact factor (IF), and research type were retrieved. RESULTS: The analysis comprised 1245 articles. Mean number of citations per article was 18.01 (95% confidence interval 16.46-19.55). Mean IF was 3.60 (95% confidence interval 3.25-3.95). The 5 most prolific journals had an IF <5. The journal with the highest number of articles was the Journal of Hand Surgery (American Volume) (n = 70, 5.6%). The most prolific country was the United States (n = 313, 25.1%). There were 913 articles (73.3%) from high-income countries, 246 (19.8%) from upper middle-income countries, and 68 (5.5%) from lower middle-income countries. No articles were from low-income countries. The representation of middle-income countries increased from 2.1% of published articles in 1980-1989 to 40.0% in 2010-2019. Primary research represented 64.0% (n = 797) of articles, while secondary research and case reports represented 13.0% (n = 162) and 23.0% (n = 286) of articles, respectively. Narrative reviews (n = 142, 11.4%;) and systematic reviews (n = 20, 1.6%) comprised articles from the secondary research group. CONCLUSIONS: While high-income countries still represent the majority of publications, the contribution of researchers from middle-income countries is increasing. The most common destiny journals are field specific, with a relatively low IF. Although most articles are primary research, a representative portion have a shallow level of evidence (case reports and narrative reviews).

The nerve to the levator scapulae muscle as donor in brachial plexus surgery: an anatomical study and case series.

OBJECTIVE: Nerve transfers are commonly used in treating complete injuries of the brachial plexus, but donor nerves are limited and preferentially directed toward the recovery of elbow flexion and shoulder abduction. The aims of this study were to characterize the anatomical parameters for identifying the nerve to the levator scapulae muscle (LSN) in brachial plexus surgery, to evaluate the feasibility of transferring this branch to the suprascapular nerve (SSN) or lateral pectoral nerve (LPN), and to present the results from a surgical series. METHODS: Supra- and infraclavicular exposure of the brachial plexus was performed on 20 fresh human cadavers in order to measure different anatomical parameters for identification of the LSN. Next, an anatomical and histomorphometric evaluation of the feasibility of transferring this branch to the SSN and LPN was made. Lastly, the effectiveness of the LSN-LPN transfer was evaluated among 10 patients by quantifying their arm adduction strength. RESULTS: The LSN was identified in 95% of the cadaveric specimens. A direct coaptation of the LSN and SSN was possible in 45% of the specimens (n = 9) but not between the LSN and LPN in any of the specimens. Comparison of axonal counts among the three nerves did not show any significant difference. Good results from reinnervation of the major pectoral muscle (Medical Research Council grade ≥ 3) were observed in 70% (n = 7) of the patients who had undergone LSN to LPN transfer. CONCLUSIONS: The LSN is consistently identified through a supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus, and its transfer to supply the functions of the SSN and LPN is anatomically viable. Good results from an LSN-LPN transfer are observed in most patients, even if long nerve grafts need to be used.

Treatment of radiation-induced brachial plexopathy with omentoplasty.

Radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy (RIBPN) is a rare and delayed non-traumatic injury to the brachial plexus, which occurs following radiation therapy to the chest wall, neck, and/or axilla in previously treated patients with cancer. The incidence of RIBPN is more common in patients treated for carcinoma of the breast and Hodgkin lymphoma. With the improvement in radiation techniques, the incidence of injury to the brachial plexus following radiotherapy has dramatically reduced. The currently reported incidence is 1.2% in women irradiated for breast cancer. The progression of symptoms is gradual in about two-thirds of cases; the patients may initially present with paresthesia followed by pain, and later progress to motor weakness in the affected limb. We present the case of a 68-year-old female patient with breast cancer submitted to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in the year 2000. Eighteen years later, she developed symptoms and signs compatible with RIBPN and was successfully submitted to omentoplasty for pain control. Omentoplasty is an alternative treatment for RIBPN refractory to conservative treatment, which seems to be effective in improving neuropathic pain. However, postoperative worsening of the motor strength is a real possibility, and all candidates for this type of surgery must be informed about the risk of this complication.

Sir Sydney Sunderland and the Sunderland Society.

In this historical vignette the relevant aspects of the life of the exceptional neuroscientist Sir Sydney Sunderland and of the foundation and development of the Sunderland Society are presented. The relationship of Sir Sydney with the Society is also emphasized.

Conservative therapeutic management of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most prevalent nerve compression and can be clinically or surgically treated. In most cases, the first therapeutic alternative is conservative treatment but there is still much controversy regarding the most effective modality of this treatment. In this study, we critically evaluated the options of conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, aiming to guide the reader through the conventional options used in this therapy.

The intercostobrachial nerve as a sensory donor for hand reinnervation in brachial plexus reconstruction is a feasible technique and may be useful for restoring sensation.

OBJECTIVE: Few donors are available for restoration of sensibility in patients with complete brachial plexus injuries. The objective of our study was to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of using the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) as an axon donor to the lateral cord contribution to the median nerve (LCMN). METHODS: Thirty cadavers were dissected. Data of the ICBN and the LCMN were collected, including diameters, branches and distances. RESULTS: The diameters of the ICBN and the LCMN at their point of coaptation were 2.7mm and 3.7mm, respectively. The ICBN originated as a single trunk in 93.3% of the specimens and bifurcated in 73.3%. The distance between the ICBN origin and its point of coaptation to the LCMN was 54mm. All ICBNs had enough extension to reach the LCMN. CONCLUSION: Transfer of the ICBN to the LCMN is anatomically feasible and may be useful for restoring sensation in patients with complete brachial plexus injuries.

Elective amputation of the upper limb is an option in the treatment of traumatic injuries of the brachial plexus?

The treatment of complete post-traumatic brachial plexus palsy resulting in a flail shoulder and upper extremity remains a challenge to peripheral nerve surgeons. The option of upper limb amputation is controversial and scarcely discussed in the literature. We believe that elective amputation still has a role in the treatment of select cases. The pros and cons of the procedure should be intensely discussed with the patient by a multidisciplinary team. Better outcomes are usually achieved in active patients who strongly advocate for the procedure.

Good sensory recovery of the hand in brachial plexus surgery using the intercostobrachial nerve as the donor.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of the sensitivity to sensory stimuli in complete brachial plexus injury is very important. The objective of our study was to evaluate sensory recovery in brachial plexus surgery using the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) as the donor. METHODS: Eleven patients underwent sensory reconstruction using the ICBN as a donor to the lateral cord contribution to the median nerve, with a mean follow-up period of 41 months. A protocol evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Four patients perceived the 1-green filament. The 2-blue, 3-purple and 4-red filaments were perceptible in one, two and three patients, respectively. According to Highet's scale, sensation recovered to S3 in two patients, to S2+ in two patients, to S2 in six patients, and S0 in one patient. CONCLUSION: The procedure using the ICBN as a sensory donor restores good intensity of sensation and shows good results in location of perception in patients with complete brachial plexus avulsion.

Correlation between parameters of electrophysiological, histomorphometric and sciatic functional index evaluations after rat sciatic nerve repair.

The rat sciatic nerve is a well-established model for the study of recovery from peripheral nerve injuries. Traditional methods of assessing nerve regeneration after nerve injury and repair, such as electrophysiology and histomorphometry, despite widely used in neural regeneration experiments, do not necessarily correlate with return of motor and sensory functions. The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the possible correlation between several parameters of peripheral nerve regeneration after repair of sectioned sciatic nerve in Wistar rat. A two-stage approach was used to obtain 17 parameters after electrophysiological, morphometric and sciatic functional index evaluations. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed between these results. Only two positives correlations between different classes of peripheral nerve assessments were noted, between sciatic functional index and proximal nerve fiber diameter (r=0.56, p<0.01) and between sciatic functional index and distal fiber diameter (r=0.50, p<0.01). The data presented in our study demonstrates that there is a poor correlation between the sciatic functional index and outcome measures of electrophysiological and morphometric evaluations.

Electrophysiologic assessment of regeneration in rat sciatic nerve repair using suture, fibrin glue or a combination of both techniques.

We evaluated the repair of sectioned rat sciatic nerve by the comparison of electrophysiologic parameters. The repair was effected with suture (group A), fibrin glue (group B) or a combination of both techniques (group C). The amplitude, latency and conduction velocity of the motor and nerve action potentials were assessed before the nerve section and at reoperation after 24 weeks. There was no difference between the groups when the nerve action potential was evaluated. Rats of group B presented better results than those of group A (p<0.05) when latency and the nerve conduction velocity assessed at the reoperation, and the ratio between the conduction velocity at the reoperation and before the nerve section in the motor action potential evaluation were measured. Animals of group C presented better results than those of group A when the ratio between the conduction velocity of motor action potential at the reoperation and before the nerve division was considered (p<0.05). No difference between groups B and C was found. We conclude that repair using fibrin glue presented better results than suture following transection of sciatic nerve when the motor action potential was evaluated in the rat experimental model.

[Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury]. / Profilaxia de Trombose Venosa Profunda em Doentes com Traumatismo Cranioencefálico.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of deep vein thrombosis is increased in patients with head trauma, but the prophylaxis against this event is confronted with the possible risk of worsening hemorrhagic injuries. In this article, we present an overview about deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in patients with head trauma and we propose a practical protocol for clinical management of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed relevant papers cited in the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, and Scielo databases from January 1998 to January 2014. Based on a search with the following search expression: "deep venous thrombosis and prophylaxis and traumatic brain injury", we found 44 eligible articles. Twenty-three papers were selected using criteria as published in English or Portuguese, patients in acute phase of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury and noninvasive mechanical prophylaxis or chemistry. RESULTS: Head trauma alone is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. The chance of deep vein thrombosis is 2.59 times higher in patients with head trauma. The prevalence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients who have suffered head trauma is 20% in the literature, reaching 30% in some studies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Head trauma alone is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism and the risks inherent in this disease requires methods of prevention for these complications. Clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of prophylaxis and the best time to start medication for deep vein thrombosis in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Introdução: O risco de trombose venosa profunda encontra-se aumentado em doentes vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico, mas a profilaxia da trombose venosa profunda se confronta com o possível risco de piora de lesões hemorrágicas relacionados ao traumatismo cranioencefálico. Neste artigo apresentamos uma revisão crítica do tema e propomos um protocolo de profilaxia para estes doentes.Material e Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, e Scielo de janeiro de 1998 a janeiro de 2014 com a expressão de busca âÄúdeep venous thrombosis and prophylaxis and traumatic brain injuryâÄù. Foram encontrados 44 artigos usando os termos MeSH definidos. Destes foram selecionados 23 artigos, usando como critérios: publicação em inglês ou português, fase aguda do traumatismo cranioencefálico moderado e grave, profilaxia mecânica não invasiva ou química.Resultados: O traumatismo cranioencefálico é um fator de risco para trombose venosa profunda e tromboembolismo pulmonar. A chance de trombose venosa profunda é 2,59 vezes maior em doentes com traumatismo cranioencefálico. A prevalência de trombose venosa profunda e embolia pulmonar em doentes que sofreram traumatismo cranioencefálico é de 20%, podendo atingir 30% dos doentes em alguns estudos.Discussão e Conclusão: As diversas formas de traumatismo de forma isolada constituem fator de risco para trombose venosa profunda e tromboembolismo pulmonar. Ensaios clínicos são necessários para estabelecer a eficácia da profilaxia e o melhor momento de iniciar medicação para trombose venosa profunda em doentes com traumatismo craniencefálico.

Treatment of radiation-induced brachial plexopathy with omentoplasty

Radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy (RIBPN) is a rare and delayed non-traumatic injury to the brachial plexus, which occurs following radiation therapy to the chest wall, neck, and/or axilla in previously treated patients with cancer. The incidence of RIBPN is more common in patients treated for carcinoma of the breast and Hodgkin lymphoma. With the improvement in radiation techniques, the incidence of injury to the brachial plexus following radiotherapy has dramatically reduced. The currently reported incidence is 1.2% in women irradiated for breast cancer. The progression of symptoms is gradual in about two-thirds of cases; the patients may initially present with paresthesia followed by pain, and later progress to motor weakness in the affected limb. We present the case of a 68-year-old female patient with breast cancer submitted to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in the year 2000. Eighteen years later, she developed symptoms and signs compatible with RIBPN and was successfully submitted to omentoplasty for pain control. Omentoplasty is an alternative treatment for RIBPN refractory to conservative treatment, which seems to be effective in improving neuropathic pain. However, postoperative worsening of the motor strength is a real possibility, and all candidates for this type of surgery must be informed about the risk of this complication.

Clinical results of transferring a motor branch of the tibial nerve to the deep peroneal nerve for treatment of foot drop.

BACKGROUND: Foot drop is a very debilitating condition affecting patients' daily activities, and its treatment has been a challenge for neurosurgeons. Grafting the peroneal or sciatic nerve usually results in poor outcomes. Our previous anatomic study demonstrated the feasibility of transferring a motor branch of the tibial nerve to the deep peroneal nerve at the level of the popliteal fossa. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the outcomes obtained after the transfer of a branch of the tibial nerve to the peroneal nerve for recovery of foot drop. METHODS: A retrospective review of 13 patients with foot drop caused by injuries to a lumbar root or the sciatic or peroneal nerve, who underwent a transfer of the nerve of the soleus muscle to the deep peroneal nerve. The results were evaluated using the British Medical Research Council grading system. RESULTS: Three patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 10 patients, the outcomes were considered good (Medical Research Council grade M3 or M4) in 2 patients (20%) concerning ankle dorsiflexion and in 2 patients concerning toe extension (20%). One patient reported a reduced calf circumference. CONCLUSION: The transfer of the nerve of the soleus muscle to the deep peroneal nerve demonstrated poor results in most of the patients, although favorable outcomes were observed in a few subjects. Due to the inconsistency of the results, we do not favor the routine use of this technique for the treatment of foot drop.