Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Rat Model for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Published on: March 27, 2026
Phantom Remodeling Effect of Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesioning in Phantom Limb Pain Caused by Brachial Plexus Avulsion
1Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning has been reported to be effective for phantom limb pain caused by brachial plexus avulsion pain. Most reports on DREZ lesioning for brachial plexus avulsion pain have focused on the results of pain relief without a detailed description of phantom sensations following DREZ lesioning.
Materials And Methods:
Two patients (1 with amputation and the other nonamputated) with chronic intractable phantom limb pain caused by brachial plexus avulsion underwent DREZ lesioning on the avulsed segments of the cervical spinal cords. Changes of the phantom limb were observed.
Results:
Immediately following DREZ lesioning, the phantom limb pain disappeared in the amputee, the phantom arm was shortened and the phantom hand disappeared. The other patient with the nonamputated arm reported an immediate 50% reduction in the size of the phantom hand, and pain relief was up to 70% of the preoperative phantom limb pain. There was no further change in the phantom arm and hand during the follow-up of 1.5-2 years.
Conclusions:
The phantom arms and hands showed a prompt shortening and reduction in size, rather than a disappearance, following successful DREZ lesioning in patients with chronic phantom limb pain caused by brachial plexus avulsion.
More Related Videos
09:14Surface Electromyographic Biofeedback as a Rehabilitation Tool for Patients with Global Brachial Plexus Injury Receiving Bionic Reconstruction
Published on: September 28, 2019
03:53Author Spotlight: Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) Surgery in Postamputation Pain Management
Published on: March 15, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...