Contralateral C7 to C7 nerve root transfer in reconstruction for treatment of total brachial plexus palsy: anatomical basis and preliminary clinical results.
OBJECTIVEContralateral C7 (CC7) nerve root has been used as a donor nerve for targeted neurotization in the treatment of total brachial plexus palsy (TBPP). The authors aimed to study the contribution of C7 to the innervation of specific upper-limb muscles and to explore the utility of C7 nerve root as a recipient nerve in the management of TBPP.METHODSThis was a 2-part investigation. 1) Anatomical study: the C7 nerve root was dissected and its individual branches were traced to the muscles in 5 embalmed adult cadavers bilaterally. 2) Clinical series: 6 patients with TBPP underwent CC7 nerve transfer to the middle trunk of the injured side. Outcomes were evaluated with the modified Medical Research Council scale and electromyography studies.RESULTSIn the anatomical study there were consistent and predominantly C7-derived nerve fibers in the lateral pectoral, thoracodorsal, and radial nerves. There was a minor contribution from C7 to the long thoracic nerve. The average distance from the C7 nerve root to the lateral pectoral nerve entry point of the pectoralis major was the shortest, at 10.3 ± 1.4 cm. In the clinical series the patients had been followed for a mean time of 30.8 ± 5.3 months postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, 5 of 6 patients regained M3 or higher power for shoulder adduction and elbow extension. Two patients regained M3 wrist extension. All regained some wrist and finger extension, but muscle strength was poor. Compound muscle action potentials were recorded from the pectoralis major at a mean follow-up of 6.7 ± 0.8 months; from the latissimus dorsi at 9.3 ± 1.4 months; from the triceps at 11.5 ± 1.4 months; from the wrist extensors at 17.2 ± 1.5 months; from the flexor carpi radialis at 17.0 ± 1.1 months; and from the digital extensors at 22.8 ± 2.0 months. The average sensory recovery of the index finger was S2. Transient paresthesia in the hand on the donor side, which resolved within 6 months postoperatively, was reported by all patients.CONCLUSIONSThe C7 nerve root contributes consistently to the lateral pectoral nerve, the thoracodorsal nerve, and long head of the triceps branch of the radial nerve. CC7 to C7 nerve transfer is a reconstructive option in the overall management plan for TBPP. It was safe and effective in restoring shoulder adduction and elbow extension in this patient series. However, recoveries of wrist and finger extensions are poor.
['Wang|Guo-Bao|GB|', 'Yu|Ai-Ping|AP|', 'Ng|Chye Yew|CY|', 'Lei|Gao-Wei|GW|', 'Wang|Xiao-Min|XM|', 'Qiu|Yan-Qun|YQ|', 'Feng|Jun-Tao|JT|', 'Li|Tie|T|', 'Chen|Qing-Zhong|QZ|', 'He|Qian-Ru|QR|', 'Ding|Fei|F|', 'Cui|Shu-Sen|SS|', 'Gu|Yu-Dong|YD|', 'Xu|Jian-Guang|JG|', 'Jiang|Su|S|', 'Xu|Wen-Dong|WD|']
D000328:Adult D001917:Brachial Plexus D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D053580:Muscle Strength D018482:Muscle, Skeletal D016067:Nerve Transfer D016896:Treatment Outcome D014953:Wrist
contralateral C7 total brachial plexus palsy donor nerve nerve transfer 2-PD = 2-point discrimination AN = axillary nerve BMRC = British Medical Research Council CC7 = contralateral C7 EMG = electromyography FCR = flexor carpi radialis ICN = intercostal nerve LHTB = long head of the triceps branch LPN = lateral pectoral nerve LTN = long thoracic nerve PM = pectoralis major PN = phrenic nerve SAN = spinal accessory nerve SSN = suprascapular nerve TBPP = total brachial plexus palsy TN = thoracodorsal nerve