1
|
Bertelli JA, Tuffaha S, Sporer M, Seltser A, Cavalli E, Soldado F, Hill E. Distal nerve transfers for peripheral nerve injuries: indications and outcomes. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2024; 49:721-733. [PMID: 38296247 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231226169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Distal nerve transfer is a refined surgical technique involving the redirection of healthy sacrificable nerves from one part of the body to reinstate function in another area afflicted by paralysis or injury. This approach is particularly valuable when the original nerves are extensively damaged and standard repair methods, such as direct suturing or grafting, may be insufficient. As the nerve coaptation is close to the recipient muscles or skin, distal nerve transfers reduce the time to reinnervation. The harvesting of nerves for transfer should usually result in minimal or no donor morbidity, as any anticipated loss of function is compensated for by adjacent muscles or overlapping cutaneous territory. Recent years have witnessed notable progress in nerve transfer procedures, markedly enhancing the outcomes of upper limb reconstruction for conditions encompassing peripheral nerve, brachial plexus and spinal cord injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayme A Bertelli
- Department of Surgery, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Governador Celso Ramos Hospital, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Sami Tuffaha
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthias Sporer
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Academic Teaching Hospital Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Anna Seltser
- Department of Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated to Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Erica Cavalli
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza (MB), Italy
| | - Francisco Soldado
- Hospital Infantil Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Infantil Universitario HM Nens, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elspeth Hill
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kittithamvongs P, Leechavengvongs S, Malungpaishrope K, Pongpinyopap W, Anantavorasakul N, Uerpairojkit C. The Intercostal Nerves Transfer to the Radial Nerve Branch to the Long Head Triceps Muscle: Influencing Factor and Outcome of 55 Cases. J Hand Surg Am 2022:S0363-5023(22)00053-3. [PMID: 35272917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to report the functional outcomes and factors affecting the result of intercostal nerves transfer to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle for restoration of elbow extension in patients with total brachial plexus palsy or C5 to C7 palsy with the loss of triceps muscle function. METHODS Fifty-five patients with total brachial plexus palsy or C5 to C7 palsy with no triceps muscle function had a reconstruction of elbow extension by transferring the third to fifth intercostal nerves to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle. The functional outcomes determined by the Medical Research Council grading were evaluated. Factors influencing the outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS At the follow-up of at least 2 years, 36 patients (65%) had antigravity motor function (Medical Research Council grade, ≥3). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the body mass index, time to surgery, and injury of the dominant limb were associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS The third to fifth intercostal nerves transfer to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle is an effective procedure to restore elbow extension. We would recommend using 3 intercostal nerves without grafts; in cases of nerve root avulsion in which there is no chance of spontaneous recovery, early surgery should be considered. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piyabuth Kittithamvongs
- Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Somsak Leechavengvongs
- Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanchai Malungpaishrope
- Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Warongporn Pongpinyopap
- Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Navapong Anantavorasakul
- Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chairoj Uerpairojkit
- Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin General Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Armas-Salazar A, García-Jerónimo AI, Villegas-López FA, Navarro-Olvera JL, Carrillo-Ruiz JD. Clinical outcomes report in different brachial plexus injury surgeries: a systematic review. Neurosurg Rev 2021; 45:411-419. [PMID: 34142268 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-021-01574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Brachial plexus injury is a lesion that results in loss of function of the arm, and there are multiple ways of surgically approaching its treatment. Controlled trials that compare all surgical repair strategies and their clinical outcomes have not been performed. A systematic review was conducted to identify all articles that reported clinical outcomes in different surgeries (nerve transfer, nerve graft, neurolysis, end-to-end, multiple interventions, and others). Advanced search in PubMed was performed using the Mesh terms "brachial plexus injury" as the main topic and "surgery" as a subtopic, obtaining a total of 2153 articles. The clinical data for eligibility extraction was focused on collecting motor, sensory, pain, and functional recovery. A statistical analysis was performed to find the superior surgical techniques in terms of motor recovery, through the assessment of heterogeneity between groups, and of relationships between surgery and motor recovery. The frequency and the manner in which clinical outcomes are recording were described. The differences that correspond to the demographics and procedural factors were not statistically significant among groups (p > 0.05). Neurolysis showed the highest proportion of motor recovery (85.18%), with significant results between preoperative and post-operative motor assessment (p = 0.028). The proportion of motor recovery in each group according to the surgical approach differed significantly (X2 = 82.495, p = 0.0001). The motor outcome was the most reported clinical outcome (97.56%), whereas the other clinical outcomes were reported in less than 15% of the included articles. Unexpectedly, neurolysis, a technique displaced by new surgical alternatives such as nerve transfer/graft, demonstrated the highest proportion of motor recovery. Clinical outcomes such as pain, sensory, and functional recovery were infrequently reported. These results introduce the need to re-evaluate neurolysis through comparative clinical trials, as well as to standardize the way in which clinical outcomes are reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Armas-Salazar
- Mexican Faculty of Medicine, La Salle University, Mexico City, Mexico
- Functional & Stereotactic Neurosurgery & Radiosurgery Service, General Hospital of Mexico, Doctor Balmis 148 Doctores, México City, 06720, México
| | - A I García-Jerónimo
- Functional & Stereotactic Neurosurgery & Radiosurgery Service, General Hospital of Mexico, Doctor Balmis 148 Doctores, México City, 06720, México
| | - F A Villegas-López
- Functional & Stereotactic Neurosurgery & Radiosurgery Service, General Hospital of Mexico, Doctor Balmis 148 Doctores, México City, 06720, México
| | - J L Navarro-Olvera
- Functional & Stereotactic Neurosurgery & Radiosurgery Service, General Hospital of Mexico, Doctor Balmis 148 Doctores, México City, 06720, México
| | - J D Carrillo-Ruiz
- Functional & Stereotactic Neurosurgery & Radiosurgery Service, General Hospital of Mexico, Doctor Balmis 148 Doctores, México City, 06720, México.
- Research Direction of General Hospital of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Faculty of Health Sciences Direction, of Anahuac University Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Distal Nerve Transfers to the Triceps Brachii Muscle: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes. J Hand Surg Am 2020; 45:155.e1-155.e8. [PMID: 31221517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical outcomes and describe the surgical technique of triceps muscle reinnervation using 2 different distal nerve transfers: the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) fascicle of the ulnar nerve and the posterior branch of the axillary nerve (PBAN) to the triceps nerve branch. METHODS A retrospective review of patients undergoing FCU fascicle of ulnar nerve or PBAN to triceps nerve branch transfer was performed. Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative modified British Medical Research Council (MRC) score, EMG results, and complications. RESULTS Between September 2003 and April 2017, 6 patients were identified. Four patients with a traumatic upper trunk and posterior cord palsy underwent ulnar nerve fascicle to triceps nerve transfer. Two patients with a recovering upper trunk following a pan-brachial plexus palsy underwent PBAN to triceps nerve branch transfer. The median age was 30.0 years (range, 18-68 years). Surgery was performed at a median of 6.9 months (range, 5.0-8.9 months) postinjury, with a median follow-up of 18.4 months (range, 7.6-176.3) months. Before surgery, 4 patients exhibited grade M0 and 2 patients exhibited grade M1 triceps strength. Four patients had M5 donor muscle strength and 2 had grade M4. Postoperatively, 4 patients regained MRC grade M4 triceps muscle strength, 1 regained M3, and 1 regained M2. There was no noticeable donor muscle weakness. CONCLUSIONS Nerve fascicles to the FCU and PBAN are viable options for obtaining meaningful triceps muscle recovery in a select group of patients. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic V.
Collapse
|
5
|
Midha R, Grochmal J. Surgery for nerve injury: current and future perspectives. J Neurosurg 2019; 130:675-685. [PMID: 30835708 DOI: 10.3171/2018.11.jns181520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this review article, the authors offer their perspective on nerve surgery for nerve injury, with a focus on recent evolution of management and the current surgical management. The authors provide a brief historical perspective to lay the foundations of the modern understanding of clinical nerve injury and its evolving management, especially over the last century. The shift from evaluation of the nerve injury using macroscopic techniques of exploration and external neurolysis to microscopic interrogation, interfascicular dissection, and internal neurolysis along with the use of intraoperative electrophysiology were important advances of the past 50 years. By the late 20th century, the advent and popularization of interfascicular nerve grafting techniques heralded a major advance in nerve reconstruction and allowed good outcomes to be achieved in a large percentage of nerve injury repair cases. In the past 2 decades, there has been a paradigm shift in surgical nerve repair, wherein surgeons are not only directing the repair at the injury zone, but also are deliberately performing distal-targeted nerve transfers as a preferred alternative in an attempt to restore function. The peripheral rewiring approach allows the surgeon to convert a very proximal injury with long regeneration distances and (often) uncertain outcomes to a distal injury and repair with a greater potential of regenerative success and functional recovery. Nerve transfers, originally performed as a salvage procedure for severe brachial plexus avulsion injuries, are now routinely done for various less severe brachial plexus injuries and many other proximal nerve injuries, with reliably good to even excellent results. The outcomes from nerve transfers for select clinical nerve injury are emphasized in this review. Extension of the rewiring paradigm with nerve transfers for CNS lesions such as spinal cord injury and stroke are showing great potential and promise. Cortical reeducation is required for success, and an emerging field of rehabilitation and restorative neurosciences is evident, which couples a nerve transfer procedure to robotically controlled limbs and mind-machine interfacing. The future for peripheral nerve repair has never been more exciting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Midha
- 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and
| | - Joey Grochmal
- 2Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The zonal pattern of arterial supply to the brachial plexus and its clinical significance. Surg Radiol Anat 2018; 40:815-822. [PMID: 29737380 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-018-2024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide the anatomical basis of blood supply of brachial plexus for the clinical microsurgical treatment of brachial plexus injury. METHODS Thirteen adult anticorrosive cadaveric specimens (8 males, 5 females) were dissected in this study. 3 fresh cases (2 males, 1 female) were used to observe the zonal pattern of arteries supplying brachial plexus, and 10 cases (6 males, 4 females) were used to observe the source and distribution of the brachial plexus arteries under microscope. RESULTS The brachial plexus is supplied by branches of the subclavian-axillary axis (SAA), and these branches anastomose each other. According to distribution feature, blood supply of the brachial plexus could be divided into three zones. The first zone was from the nerve roots of intervertebral foramina to its proximal trunks, which was supplied by the vertebral artery and the deep cervical artery. The second zone was from the distal nerve trunks of the brachial plexus, encompassing the divisions to its proximal cords, which was supplied by direct branches of the subclavian artery or by branches originating from the dorsal scapular artery. The third zone was from the distal portion of the cords to terminal branches of the brachial plexus, which was supplied by direct branches of the axillary artery. CONCLUSIONS The zonal pattern of arterial supply to the brachial plexus is a systematic and comprehensive modality to improve anatomical basis for the clinical microsurgical treatment for brachial plexus injury.
Collapse
|
7
|
The First Experience of Triple Nerve Transfer in Proximal Radial Nerve Palsy. World Neurosurg 2018; 109:351-355. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
8
|
Bertelli JA, Soldado F, Ghizoni MF, Rodríguez-Baeza A. Transfer of the musculocutaneous nerve branch to the brachialis muscle to the triceps for elbow extension: anatomical study and report of five cases. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2017; 42:710-714. [PMID: 28490272 DOI: 10.1177/1753193417694585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We report the study of the anatomical feasibility of transferring the nerve to the brachialis muscle to the upper medial head motor branch that innervate the triceps, and outcomes of such transfers in restoring elbow extension in five patients with posterior cord lesion of the brachial plexus. The length of the branches to the brachialis muscle measured 7.6 cm and the triceps upper medial head motor branch was 5 cm in 10 adult cadavers. Five male patients were treated with this transfer 5 months after the injury (range 4 to 6 months) after posterior cord injury of the brachial plexus with a mean follow-up of 31 months (range 28 to 36 months). Elbow extension scored M4 in all cases. No complications occurred. These preliminary results suggest that transferring the nerve to the brachialis muscle is an effective technique for the reconstruction of elbow extension after posterior cord brachial plexus injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Bertelli
- 1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Governador Celso Ramos Hospital, Santa Catarina, Brazil.,2 Center of Biological and Health Sciences, University of the South of Santa Catarina (Unisul), Tubarão, Brazil
| | - F Soldado
- 3 Pediatric Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Unit, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M F Ghizoni
- 2 Center of Biological and Health Sciences, University of the South of Santa Catarina (Unisul), Tubarão, Brazil
| | - A Rodríguez-Baeza
- 4 Human Anatomy Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Forli A, Bouyer M, Aribert M, Curvale C, Delord M, Corcella D, Moutet F. Upper limb nerve transfers: A review. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2017; 36:151-172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
10
|
Potter SM, Ferris SI. Vascularized Thoracodorsal to Suprascapular Nerve Transfer, a Novel Technique to Restore Shoulder Function in Partial Brachial Plexopathy. Front Surg 2016; 3:17. [PMID: 27014699 PMCID: PMC4789804 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2016.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the clinical outcome of a novel nerve transfer to restore active shoulder motion in upper brachial plexus injury. The thoracodorsal nerve (TDN) was successfully used as a vascularized donor nerve to neurotize to the suprascapular nerve (SSN) in a patient with limited donor nerve availability. At 4 years follow-up, he had regained useful external rotation of the injured limb, with no significant donor site morbidity. Shoulder abduction return was less impressive, however, and reasons for this are discussed. We provide a comprehensive review of the literature on this topic and a subsequent discussion on the details of this novel technique. This is the first reported case of TDN to SSN transfer, and also the first reported case of a vascularized TDN transfer in the English language literature. We advocate direct thoracodorsal to SSN transfer as a valid surgical option for the restoration of shoulder function in patients with partial brachial plexus avulsion, when conventional nerve donors are unavailable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley M Potter
- Victorian Plastic Surgery Unit, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Scott I Ferris
- Victorian Plastic Surgery Unit, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bertelli J, Soldado F, Ghizoni MF, Rodríguez-Baeza A. Transfer of a Terminal Motor Branch Nerve to the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris for Triceps Reinnervation: Anatomical Study and Clinical Cases. J Hand Surg Am 2015; 40:2229-2235.e2. [PMID: 26433244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the anatomical feasibility of transferring a motor branch nerve to the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) to the triceps upper medial head motor branch (UMHM) and to report the resultant outcome of the restoration of elbow extension in 5 patients with extensive brachial plexus injury. METHODS The ulnar and radial nerves were dissected in 10 cadavers. We measured the length and diameter of the branches to the FCU and the UMHM branch and counted the axons. Then, 5 male patients, mean age 30 years, underwent FCU nerve branch transfer for reconstruction of elbow extension. Elbow flexion was restored via a median nerve branch to biceps transfer. RESULTS Mean UMHM nerve length and diameter were 86 and 1.5 mm, respectively. Mean number of branches to the FCU muscle was 2.9. Mean FCU nerve length and diameter were 50 and 1.0 mm, respectively. Mean number of myelinated fibers was 818 and 743 for the UMHM and the longest branch to the FCU, respectively. Coaptation between nerves was possible without tension. All patients recovered functional active elbow extension at a mean follow-up of 19 months with a British Medical Research Council score of M4. After surgery, all patients retained a functional FCU with a British Medical Research Council score of M4. CONCLUSIONS Nonselective ulnar nerve fascicles at the root of the limb might not be adequate to restore elbow extension when combined with a median nerve branch transfer for elbow flexion. A selective distal ulnar motor fascicle such as a FCU motor branch could be harvested and connected to a triceps branch to restore elbow extension. Such a nerve transfer would also allow for later transfer of the still functional FCU tendon to the digital extensors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE For patients with extensive brachial plexus injury and a preserved medial cord, transferring a motor branch nerve to the FCU is an effective technique for the reconstruction of elbow extension. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayme Bertelli
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Governador Celso Ramos Hospital, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, University of the South of Santa Catarina (Unisul), Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Francisco Soldado
- Pediatric Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marcos F Ghizoni
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, University of the South of Santa Catarina (Unisul), Tubarão, Brazil
| | - Alfonso Rodríguez-Baeza
- Human Anatomy Unit, Morphologic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|