1
|
Thatte MR, Nayak NS. Prospective study comparing outcomes of primary intraplexal repair versus distal nerve transfers in Narakas grade I birth brachial plexus palsy. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2024; 49:591-595. [PMID: 37747709 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231201955] [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: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
To compare the results of intraplexal repair and distal nerve transfer in babies with birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP), children with Narakas group I obstetric palsy were assigned to two groups of 16 each. Children in group A were treated with classical intraplexal repair and those in group B were treated by distal nerve transfers. At 6 months, all the children in group B had achieved Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) grade 3 elbow flexion along with 8 of the 16 children in group A, which was a statistically significant difference. At 6 months, all the children in group B achieved MMRC grade 3 or higher shoulder abduction and 8 of the 16 children in group A had done so, which was also statistically significant. At the final follow-up, the distal transfer surgical treatment group had a significantly higher Mallet score. Distal nerve transfers have a significant advantage in early recovery in elbow flexion and shoulder abduction, but the outcomes became similar after 9 months.Level of evidence: III.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mukund R Thatte
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bombay Hospital & Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nayana S Nayak
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bombay Hospital & Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zuo KJ, Ho ES, Hopyan S, Clarke HM, Davidge KM. Recent Advances in the Treatment of Brachial Plexus Birth Injury. Plast Reconstr Surg 2023; 151:857e-874e. [PMID: 37185378 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe methods of clinical evaluation for neurologic recovery in brachial plexus birth injury. 2. Understand the role of different diagnostic imaging modalities to evaluate the upper limb. 3. List nonsurgical strategies and surgical procedures to manage shoulder abnormality. 4. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of microsurgical nerve reconstruction and distal nerve transfers in brachial plexus birth injury. 5. Recognize the prevalence of pain in this population and the need for greater sensory outcomes evaluation. SUMMARY Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) results from closed traction injury to the brachial plexus in the neck during an infant's vertex passage through the birth canal. Although spontaneous upper limb recovery occurs in most instances of BPBI, some infants do not demonstrate adequate motor recovery within an acceptable timeline and require surgical intervention to restore upper limb function. This article reviews major advances in the management of BPBI in the past decade that include improved understanding of shoulder pathology and its impact on observed motor recovery, novel surgical techniques, new insights in sensory function and pain, and global efforts to develop standardized outcomes assessment scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Zuo
- From the Divisions of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery
| | - Emily S Ho
- From the Divisions of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- From the Divisions of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto
| | - Howard M Clarke
- From the Divisions of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children
| | - Kristen M Davidge
- From the Divisions of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Durner G, Gerst A, Ulrich I, Mayer B, Wirtz CR, König R, Antoniadis G, Pedro M, Pala A. Restoring musculocutaneous nerve function in 146 brachial plexus operations – a retrospective analysis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 228:107677. [PMID: 37028253 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A brachial plexus lesion is a devastating injury often affecting young, male adults after traffic accidents. Therefore, surgical restoration of elbow flexion is critical for establishing antigravity movement of the upper extremity. We analyzed different methods for musculocutaneous reconstruction regarding outcome. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 146 brachial plexus surgeries with musculocutaneous reconstruction performed at our department from 2013 to 2017. Demographic data, surgical method, donor and graft nerve characteristics, body mass index (BMI) as well as functional outcome of biceps muscle based on medical research council (MRC) strength grades before and after surgery were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS Oberlin reconstruction was the procedure performed most often (34.2%, n = 50). Nerve transfer and autologous repair showed no significant differences regarding outcome (p = 0.599, OR 0.644 CI95% 0.126-3.307). In case of nerve transfers, we found no significant difference whether reconstruction was performed with or without a nerve graft (e.g. sural nerve) (p = 0.277, OR 0.619 CI95% 0.261-1.469). Multivariate analysis identifies patient age as a strong predictor for outcome, univariate analysis indicates that nerve graft length > 15 cm and BMI of > 25 could lead to inferior outcome. When patients with early recovery (n = 19) are included into final evaluation after 24 months, the general success rate of reconstructions is 62,7% (52/83). CONCLUSION Reconstruction of musculocutaneous nerve after brachial plexus injury results in a high rate of clinical improvement. Nerve transfer and autologous reconstruction both show similar results. Young age was confirmed as an independent predictor for better clinical outcome. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to further clarify.
Collapse
|
4
|
Outcomes of gracilis free-flap muscle transfers and non-free-flap procedures for restoration of elbow flexion: A systematic review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2022; 75:2625-2636. [PMID: 35644885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2022.04.025] [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: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elbow flexion is one of the most important functions to restore following brachial plexus damage. The authors sought to systematically review available evidence to summarize outcomes of free gracilis and non-free muscle transfers in restoring elbow flexion. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched to identify articles reporting on elbow flexion reanimation in terms of transfer failure rates, strengths, range of motion (ROM), and/or Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. A systematic review was chosen to select studies and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 432 cases were gracilis free-flap muscle transfers (FFMT), and 982 cases were non-free muscle transfers. FFMT were shown to have higher Medical Research Council (MRC) strength scores than non-free muscle transfer groups. However, 42 studies, totaling 1,266 cases, were useful in evaluating graft failure, showing failure (MRC<3) in 77/419 (∼18.4%) of gracilis free-flap transfers and 215/847 (∼25.4%) of non-free muscle transfers. Sixteen articles, 285 cases, were useful to evaluate ROMs (total range: 0-140°), and eight articles, 215 cases, provided DASH scores (total range: 8-90.8). CONCLUSIONS Of patients who underwent gracilis FFMT procedures, higher mean strength scores and lower failure rates were observed when compared with non-free muscle transfers. Articles reporting non-free muscle transfer procedures (pectoralis, pedicled, Steindler, vascularized ulnar nerve grafts, Oberlin, single/double nerve transfers) provided comprehensive insight into outcomes and indicated that they may result in pooerer poorer DASH scores and ROM.
Collapse
|
5
|
Figueiredo EA, Freitas FSCD, Parente Neto JI, Abdouni YA, Costa ACD. Avaliação dos resultados a longo prazo da cirurgia de Oberlin na paralisia braquial obstétrica. Rev Bras Ortop 2022; 57:103-107. [PMID: 35198116 PMCID: PMC8856840 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo
Objetivo Avaliar a flexão do cotovelo em crianças portadoras de paralisia obstétrica do plexo braquial submetidas à transferência de Oberlin.
Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com 11 pacientes acometidos por paralisia decorrente do trabalho de parto e que não apresentaram recuperação espontânea da flexão do cotovelo até os 12 meses de vida, operados entre 2010 e 2018.
Resultados As crianças foram operadas entre os 5 e 12 meses de vida, com média de 7,9 meses e o tempo médio de seguimento foi de 133,2 meses, variando de 37 a 238 meses. Seis pacientes (54,5%) apresentaram grau de força muscular ≥ 3, medido pela escala de força do Medical Research Council (MRC), e, pela escala de movimentação ativa (Active Momement Scale [AMS]), 5 pacientes obtiveram pontuação ≥ 5. Foi identificada correlação negativa entre a AMS e a classificação de Narakas (r = -0,509), bem como entre a MRC e a classificação de Narakas (r = -0,495). Já entre a AMS e a MRC, foi observada forte correlação positiva (r = 0,935), demonstrando que quanto maior a pontuação na escala de movimento, maior será a pontuação na escala de força muscular.
Conclusão A cirurgia de Oberlin apresenta-se como uma opção possível para a recuperação da flexão do cotovelo em crianças com plexopatia neonatal; no entanto, demonstra resultados bastante heterogêneos, mesmo no seguimento a longo prazo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Araújo Figueiredo
- Departamento de Cirurgia da Mão, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Júlio Inácio Parente Neto
- Departamento de Ortopedia e traumatologia, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Yussef Ali Abdouni
- Departamento de Cirurgia da Mão e Microcirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Antônio Carlos da Costa
- Departamento de Cirurgia da Mão, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Velásquez-Girón E, Zapata-Copete JA. Nerve Graft and Nerve Transfer for Improving Elbow Flexion in Children with Obstetric Palsy. A Systematic Review. Rev Bras Ortop 2021; 56:705-710. [PMID: 34900097 PMCID: PMC8651435 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Obstetric brachial plexus palsy is a rather common injury in newborns, caused by traction to the brachial plexus during labor. In this context, with the present systematic review, we aimed to explore the use of nerve graft and nerve transfer as procedures to improve elbow flexion in children with obstetric palsy. For the present review, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Wholis and SCOPUS databases. Predetermined criteria defined the following requirements for inclusion of a study: Clinical trials, quasi-experiments, and cohort studies that performed nerve graft and nerve transfer in children (≤ 3 years old) with diagnosis of obstetric palsy. The risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions assessment tool was used for nonrandomized studies. Out of seven studies that used both procedures, three of them compared the procedures of nerve graft with nerve transfer, and the other four combined them as a reconstructive method for children with obstetric palsy. According to the Medical Research Council grading system, both methods improved equally elbow flexion in the children. Overall, our results showed that both techniques of nerve graft and nerve transfer are equally good options for nerve reconstruction in cases of obstetric palsy. More studies approaching nerve reconstruction techniques in obstetric palsy should be made, preferably randomized clinical trials, to validate the results of the present systematic review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Velásquez-Girón
- Seção de Cirurgia Ortopédica de Mão, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colômbia
| | - James A Zapata-Copete
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Seção de Cirurgia Plástica, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colômbia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Smith BW, Chang KWC, Koduri S, Yang LJS. Nerve graft versus nerve transfer for neonatal brachial plexus: shoulder outcomes. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2020; 27:87-92. [PMID: 33096523 DOI: 10.3171/2020.6.peds2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The decision-making in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) treatment continues to have many areas in need of clarification. Graft repair was the gold standard until the introduction of nerve transfer strategies. Currently, there is conflicting evidence regarding outcomes in patients with nerve grafts versus nerve transfers in relation to shoulder function. The objective of this study was to further define the outcomes for reconstruction strategies in NBPP with a specific focus on the shoulder. METHODS A cohort of patients with NBPP and surgical repairs from a single center were reviewed. Demographic and standard clinical data, including imaging and electrodiagnostics, were gathered from a clinical database. Clinical data from physical therapy evaluations, including active and passive range of motion, were examined. Statistical analysis was performed on the available data. RESULTS Forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria for this study, 19 with graft repair and 26 with nerve transfers. There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups. Understandably, there were no patients in the nerve grafting group with preganglionic lesions, resulting in a difference in lesion type between the cohorts. There were no differences in preoperative shoulder function between the cohorts. Both groups reached statistically significant improvements in shoulder flexion and shoulder abduction. The nerve transfer group experienced a significant improvement in shoulder external rotation, from -78° to -28° (p = 0.0001), whereas a significant difference was not reached in the graft group. When compared between groups, there appeared to be a trend favoring nerve transfer in shoulder external rotation, with the graft patients improving by 17° and the transfer patients improving by 49° (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS In NBPP, patients with shoulder weakness experience statistically significant improvements in shoulder flexion and abduction after graft repair or nerve transfer, and patients with nerve transfers additionally experience significant improvement in external rotation. With regard to shoulder external rotation, there appear to be some data supporting the use of nerve transfers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon W. Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kate W. C. Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sravanthi Koduri
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lynda J. S. Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Effects of serious games in strength and functionality of patients with ulnar nerve lesion: two single-case reports. Int J Rehabil Res 2020; 43:280-284. [PMID: 32769585 DOI: 10.1097/mrr.0000000000000423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of serious games on hand muscle strength and functionality in a series of cases with ulnar nerve damage. Two patients were included in this 16-week intervention study using biofeedback. Electromyography electrodes and dynamometers were used in treatment. Functionality was assessed by Rosen and Lundborg score, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Grip and pinch strength were assessed by dynamometers. Results revealed an increase in sensory domain of Rosen and Lundborg score of the two patients. Patients increased values from the DASH questionnaire; however, they got better results with ICF. Grip strength of the two patients increased; pinch strength varied between patients; key pinch had the best results. Serious games can be effective to enhance hand strength and improve functionality in patients with ulnar nerve damage.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tora MS, Hardcastle N, Texakalidis P, Wetzel J, Chern JJ. Elbow flexion in neonatal brachial plexus palsy: a meta-analysis of graft versus transfer. Childs Nerv Syst 2019; 35:929-935. [PMID: 30923897 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional elbow flexion recovery is one of the main goals of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) reconstruction. The current neurosurgical treatment options include nerve grafting and nerve transfer. OBJECTIVE The present study sought to examine the literature for comparison of functional elbow flexion recovery in NBPP following nerve grafting or nerve transfer. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted on Pubmed/Medline and Cochrane for eligible studies published until November of 2018. Odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare functional elbow flexion outcomes between nerve graft and nerve transfer. A random effects model meta-analysis was conducted. A Medical Research Council (MRC) score ≥ 3 or Active Movement Scale (AMS) ≥ 5 was considered a functional recovery of elbow flexion. RESULTS The present study included 194 patients from 1990 to 2015 across five observational trials. Only pediatric patients with obstetric brachial plexus injury were included. The mean patient age at surgery varied between studies from 5.7 months to 11.9 months and mean follow-up from 12 to 70 months. No complications or cases of donor site morbidity were reported. From the included studies, 118 patients were reported with MRC or AMS scoring usable for odd ratio comparison. Functional recovery occurred with nerve transfer in 95.2% of patients (n = 59/62) and with nerve grafting in 96.4% of patients (n = 54/56). Overall, the outcomes for elbow flexion between the groups appeared similar (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.19-7.08, I2 2.9%). CONCLUSION Comparing nerve grafting and nerve transfer for NBPP, there is no statistically significant difference in functional elbow flexion recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhibullah S Tora
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Hospital, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6204, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Nathan Hardcastle
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Hospital, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6204, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Pavlos Texakalidis
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Hospital, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6204, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jeremy Wetzel
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Hospital, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6204, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Joshua J Chern
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Hospital, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 6204, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Neurosurgery, Egleston Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|