Donor nerves in the reinnervation of brachial plexus

In cases of brachial plexus spinal root avulsions the only possibility for surgical treatment is reinnervation of plexus by cross-anastomosis with intact nerves. As donor nerves for reinnervation the adjoining (upper intercostal and spinal accessory) or regional intact nerves can be used. In this paper an analysis of these nerves on histological preparation from 15 autopsies and analysis of surgical results from 13 operated patients with total or partial spinal root avulsions are presented. The advantages of pure motor, especially regional, nerves and possibility of combined use of all donor nerves are emphasized.