Spinal Accessory Nerve Injury in Patients with Brachial Plexus Injury: Prevalence, Predisposing Factors, and...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Spinal accessory nerve injury can complicate brachial plexus injuries.
• Assessing nerve function pre-operatively is crucial for reconstructive surgery.
• This study investigates spinal accessory nerve injury demographics in brachial plexus patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of spinal accessory nerve injury in brachial plexus injuries.
• To identify predisposing factors for spinal accessory nerve injury.
• To evaluate the potential for spontaneous recovery of the spinal accessory nerve.

Main Methods:

• 170 patients with brachial plexus injuries were analyzed.
• Spinal accessory nerve function was assessed via compound muscle action potential of the upper trapezius.
• Nerve function was classified as no, partial, or severe injury; recovery was assessed at 1 year.

Main Results:

• Spinal accessory nerve injury was found in 17.6% of patients (30/170).
• Phrenic nerve palsy was associated with a higher incidence (33.3%).
• 83.3% of patients with partial/severe injuries showed good spontaneous recovery within a year.

Conclusions:

• Spinal accessory nerve injury is present in approximately 18% of brachial plexus injury cases.
• Phrenic nerve palsy may be a predisposing factor.
• Most spinal accessory nerve injuries associated with brachial plexus injuries have good spontaneous recovery potential.