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Radiation-induced brachial plexus paralysis.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|April 1, 1975
Summary
Radiation therapy can cause brachial plexus paralysis, impacting hand function. Tendon transfer surgery offers significant improvement for select patients with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Radiation therapy for cancers like breast and lung cancer can lead to radiation-induced brachial plexus paralysis.
- This condition often presents with progressive symptoms, including intractable pain and significant loss of hand function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation and outcomes of radiation-induced brachial plexus paralysis.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions, specifically tendon transfer, for functional restoration.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of fifteen patients diagnosed with radiation-induced brachial plexus paralysis.
- Analysis of patient history, treatment modalities, and functional outcomes, including response to previous surgeries and tendon transfer.
Main Results:
- Thirteen women (breast cancer) and two men (lung cancer) were studied.
- Paralysis often progressed, with spontaneous arrest in three patients; intractable pain was noted in three, while twelve reported hand dysfunction.
- Previous brachial plexus surgery did not relieve symptoms in ten patients, but one patient showed marked improvement after tendon transfer surgery.
Conclusions:
- Radiation-induced brachial plexus paralysis is a debilitating complication of cancer treatment.
- While previous surgeries on the brachial plexus may not be effective, tendon transfer surgery can significantly improve hand function in select patients.
