Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Intercostal nerve transfer for brachial plexopathy

J D Krakauer1, M B Wood

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.

The Journal of Hand Surgery
|September 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Antigen sampling by intestinal M cells is the principal pathway initiating mucosal IgA production to commensal enteric bacteria.

Mucosal immunology·2015
Same author

Posttraumatic lower extremity reconstruction by vascularized bone graft transfer.

Orthopedics·2014
Same author

Mutual wear evaluation of resin composites when opposing enamel and dentin.

Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials·2006
Same author

Reverse segmental pedicled ulna transfer as a salvage procedure in wrist fusion.

Journal of hand surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)·2002
Same author

Physeal arrest due to laser beam damage in a growing child.

Journal of pediatric orthopedics·2001
Same author

Mayo Foundation at the turn of the 21st century: adapting to change but consistent in values.

Mayo Clinic proceedings·2000

Intercostal nerve transfers offer a viable surgical option for restoring elbow motion in patients with brachial plexus injuries. This technique provides useful functional recovery with minimal impact on pulmonary function.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

  • Traumatic brachial plexopathy can lead to significant loss of upper extremity function, particularly elbow motion.
  • Irreparable brachial plexus lesions often necessitate alternative reconstructive strategies when conventional tendon transfers are not feasible.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of intercostal nerve transfer for restoring elbow function in patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy.
  • To assess the functional recovery of elbow flexion and extension following nerve transfer procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 13 patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy.
  • Surgical procedures included intercostal nerve transfer to the biceps motor branch or combined gracilis muscle and intercostal nerve transfer.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Functional outcomes and pulmonary function (spirometry) were assessed postoperatively.

    • Main Results:

    • Useful elbow flexion or extension was achieved in 9 out of 13 patients.
    • Follow-up ranged from 12 to 48 months (mean, 25 months).
    • Mild decline in pulmonary function observed in 4 patients, with no subjective respiratory changes; morbidity was minimal.

    Conclusions:

    • Intercostal nerve transfer and combined gracilis muscle and intercostal nerve transfer are viable, albeit technically demanding, surgical options for restoring elbow motion in irreparable brachial plexus injuries.
    • These techniques offer a valuable alternative when standard tendon transfers are not possible, with minimal pulmonary morbidity.