Refining the sensory and motor ratunculus of the rodent upper extremity: evaluation of the C7 nerve root using fMRI and direct nerve stimulation

摘要

BackgroundSince the 1980s, the C7 nerve root has gained clinical relevance as a donor nerve in severe brachial plexus root avulsion injuries. Despite success with the cross-chest C7 nerve transfer, inducing injury on an otherwise normal side hinders global acceptance. By sacrificing the C7 nerve root, a predictable pattern of transient sequelae is seen, including extensor weakness and index and middle finger anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to observe cortical activity during direct stimulation of the C7 nerve root using blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a rat model.