Direct anastomosis of contralateral C_7 nerve root transfer with affected-side inferior trunk for repair of brachial plexus avulsion injury

摘要

AIM: To observe the effect of direct anastomosis of contralateral C7 nerve root transferred through prespinal route with affected-side inferior trunk for repair of brachial plexus avulsion injury, and investigate its feasibility. METHODS: Two male patients, with the age of 24 and 41 years respectively, were retrieved. When admitted to the hospital, they were diagnosed as brachial plexus avulsion injury. They subjected the operation in the 252 Hospital of Chinese PLA in March 2006 and May 2006 respectively. The proximal end of contralateral C7 nerve root was dissociated to nerve root pore and the distal end was dissociated to anterior and posterior divisions of middle trunk. The injured C7 nerve root was widely dissociated to inferior trunk, medial cord, ulnar nerve and medial head of median nerve. When elbow and shoulder joints were in flexion, the injured C7 nerve root was directly anastomosed with contralateral C7 nerve root in the gap between affected-side cervical vagina vasorum and esophagus with no tensions. RESULTS: During 3 to 5 hours of operation, little hemorrhage was found, nerves were not used for connection. Dyspnea, hoarse voice and other complications did not appear, either. In the postoperative 7th to 8th months, electromyogram examination showed that the growth velocity of anastomosed nerve was normal. CONCLUSION: Direct anastomosis of contralateral C7 nerve root transferred through prespinal route with affected-side inferior trunk can be used for repair of brachial plexus avulsion injury with satisfying therapeutic effects.