BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY-SURGERY

SUMMARY

Consideration for surgical management for patients who do not recover with conservative management, between 3-12 months after injury:

1. Nerve repair using autologous nerve graft and/or nerve transfer constitute the primary options for reconstructing the brachial plexus.

2. Nerve transfer/neurotization: the transfer of a functioning nerve fascicle to the distal portion of a non-functioning nerve. Goal: to achieve function of the deltoid, teres minor, biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis.

3. Oberlin procedure: using the fascicle of the FCU to reinnervate the biceps fascicle of the musculocutaneous nerve in order to reanimate the biceps.

4. Orthopaedic procedures: soft tissue releases, joint fusions, muscle/tendon transfers, and corrective osteotomies.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.