ABSTRACT
In total brachial plexus preganglionic lesions (C5-C6-C7-C8 and T1) different extraplexual neurotizations are indicated for partial motor function restitution. Mostly for the flexion of the elbow. Neurotization with intercostal nerves (ICN) to musculocutaneous nerve has been known and accepted during many years with different results 2 - 5. The customary technique as described by various authors is carried out by means of a large submammary incision to harvest three or four intercostal nerves (Figure 1). Then are connected by direct suture or grafts to the musculocutaneous nerve or its motor branches 6 - 7. In this article the authors described the possibility of dissection intercostal nerves by means of assisted video thoracoscopy. (VATS-videdo assisted thoracic surgery).
ABSTRACT
Function of the wrist and hand in lower root avulsions is severely impaired. Based on anatomic and experimental studies which suggest that the motor nerve of the brachialis muscle could be used as a selective neurotizator in lower root avulsions with intact C5-C6 +/- C7 roots (Klumpke paralysis), we considered its use depending on the target. We describe two techniques for the median nerve (in C8-T1 avulsions) and one for the radial nerve (in C7-C8-T1 avulsions). In all cases, we added the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm in the neurotization to improve sensibility in the hand. The present report presents the results of its use in our first five patients.
