Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: August 15, 2019
Restoration of shoulder abduction in brachial plexus injury with phrenic nerve transfer
A Sungpet1, C Suphachatwong, V Kawinwonggowith
1Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. raasp@mahidol.ac.th
Background:
Shoulder abduction is one of the most essential functions in reconstruction of the brachial plexus following injury. In the literature there are few reports on phrenic nerve transfer, especially in relation to restoration of shoulder function. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of phrenic nerve transfer.
Methods:
A study was made of 10 cases of phrenic nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve.
Results:
The average shoulder abduction was 41 degrees (range: 20-60 degrees). The average degree of shoulder abduction in patients with C5 or C6 root avulsions was slightly more than that in the patients with total root avulsions. There was no clinically significant respiratory insufficiency in any patient.
Conclusions:
Phrenic nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve is an effective, reliable and safe method of shoulder abduction restoration in brachial plexus injury.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
01:23Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...