Neurotization via the Spinal Accessory Nerve in Complete Paralysis Due to Multiple Avulsion Injuries of the Brachial Plexus

Abstract

The authors report their experience with 21 cases of neurotization via the spinal accessory nerve for multiple nerve root avulsion injuries of the brachial plexus associated with total paralysis of the upper limb. They performed microneuroanastomoses with interposed cable nerve grafts between the spinal accessory nerve taken in the supraclavicular fossa and the musculocutaneous nerve at its entrance into the biceps muscle. Surgical indications depend on the accurate diagnosis of spinal nerve root avulsion, especially C5. The anatomicosurgical basis of this technique is as precise as are the indications. As many as two-thirds of the patients with a neurotized musculocutaneous nerve can be expected to achieve strength of at least Grade 3 on late muscle testing. Nevertheless, these results are always inferior to those obtainable when grafting is performed with carefully selected unavulsed C5 or C6 spinal nerve root fibers in the intervertebral foramina. Therefore, neurotization via donor nerves extrinsic to the plexus should only be considered as a second-choice intervention.