Objective Predictors of Functional Recovery Associated with Intercostal Nerves Transfer for Triceps Reinnervation in Global Brachial Plexus Palsy

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the predictors of functional recovery associated with the transfer of intercostal nerves (ICNs) to the branch innervating the long head of the triceps (BLHT).

Methods A retrospective analysis of 14 patients with global brachial plexus palsy for whom the surgical planning included the transfer of 2 or 3 ICNs to the BLHT.

Results The effective rate of functional recovery for elbow extension was 28%. Surgical timing, severity of the injury, and number of ICNs did not show significance for functional recovery. Patients who underwent ICN transfer for reanimation of elbow extension in combination with phrenic nerve (PN) transfer for reinnervation of elbow flexion, or shoulder stability, obtained poorer results regarding triceps recovery (p < 0.01).

Conclusions Intercostal nerves are reliable donors for reinnervation of the triceps in global brachial plexus injuries. However, this technique should be avoided in patients in whom the PN has been transferred for elbow flexion or shoulder abduction.

Resumo

Objetivos Avaliar os fatores preditores para recuperação funcional associados à transferência de nervos intercostais (NICs) para o ramo do nervo radial que inerva da cabeça longa do tríceps (RCLT).

Métodos Análise retrospectiva de 14 pacientes com paralisia completa do plexo braquial, para os quais o planejamento cirúrgico incluiu a transferência de 2 ou 3 NICs para o RCLT.

Resultados A taxa de recuperação da extensão do cotovelo foi de 28%. O intervalo cirúrgico, a gravidade da lesão e o número de NICs usados não demonstraram significância para a recuperação funcional. Os pacientes nos quais a transferência de NIC foi usada para recuperação da extensão do cotovelo concomitantemente à transferência do nervo frênico para reanimação da flexão do cotovelo ou para estabilização do ombro obtiveram piores resultados quanto a reinervação do tríceps (p < 0.01).

Conclusões Os NICs podem ser utilizados como doadores para reinervação do tríceps em lesões completas do plexo braquial. No entanto, essa técnica deve ser evitada em pacientes nos quais o nervo frênico foi transferido conjuntamente visando a recuperação da flexão do cotovelo ou a estabilização do ombro.

Keywords

brachial plexus - brain plasticity - nerve transfer - triceps palsy

Palavras-Chave

plexo braquial - plasticidade cerebral - transferência de nervos - paralisia do tríceps

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