NCT06313658

Enhancing Functional Hand Recovery Through Nerve Reconstruction in Total Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Assiut University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Interpreting the published outcomes of hand function in total BPBI is confounded by a lack of clear documentation regarding detailed surgical findings and management strategies. Investigators have followed a well-defined protocol for surgical reconstruction with the primary objective being reinnervation of the lower trunk using the best available root. In this paper, Investigators outline the details of the strategy and provide a comprehensive analysis of the nerve reconstruction techniques and the resulting functional outcomes.

Detailed description

Managing total BPBI cases is complex because surgical reconstruction must address the restoration of shoulder, elbow, and hand functions. In cases where multiple nerve root avulsions are present, prioritizing which functions to reinnervate shoulder, elbow, or hand becomes a critical decision. While attempts to restore hand function in adults with total brachial plexus lesions have yielded disappointing results, it has been shown that restoring hand function in infants with BPBI is more promising due to their enhanced neuro-regenerative capacities. Interpreting published outcomes of hand function in total BPBI is confounded by a lack of clear documentation regarding detailed surgical findings and management strategies. Various hand function scales that measure the individual joint movements or the global function of the hand and wrist have been used in the assessment of the outcomes, but none has quantitated the recovery of the intrinsic muscles of the digits or thumb. Furthermore, it is well-documented that the recovery of hand function can be a prolonged process, often extending up to eight years before reaching a plateau. The majority of the published studies have typically reported outcomes based on a minimum follow-up period of two years, which may not provide sufficient time to assess the full extent of hand function recovery. Investigators have followed a well-defined protocol for the surgical reconstruction of total BPBI with the primary objective being restoration of hand function through reinnervation of the lower trunk followed by restoration of elbow and shoulder functions through innervation of the upper trunk. In this paper, Investigators outline the details of the surgical strategy and provide a comprehensive analysis of the nerve reconstruction techniques and the resulting functional outcomes. Furthermore, investigators explore and identify the factors that may significantly impact the recovery process.

Conditions

• Brachial Plexus Injury

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Total brachial plexus exploration and reconstruction	In the adopted strategy, anatomical reconstruction was always performed when feasible and the lower trunk was considered the primary reinnervation target. Anatomical reconstruction of the plexus was attempted in the presence of at least three available roots; the best quality root stump (usually C5) was used for hand reanimation, while the lower ruptured roots were directed towards the upper and middle trunks. If one or more of the remaining root stumps were of doubtful quality, the compromised roots were grafted to the posterior divisions of the upper and middle trunks, while elbow flexion could be restored by transferring the intercostal nerves (T3-5) to the lateral cord. The lateral root of the median nerve was also included in the intercostal nerve transfer to restore hand sensations. In all cases, the spinal accessory nerve was directly sutured to the suprascapular nerve to restore rotator cuff function.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-15
• Primary completion: 2025-03-15
• Completion: 2025-03-15
• First posted: 2024-03-15
• Last updated: 2024-03-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt