Medical Research Council Grade Research Articles

Outcome of Nerve Grafting for Radiation-Induced Brachial Plexopathy.

There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP). To present our experience of using nerve resection and autografting as a treatment strategy for this challenging condition. From September 2014 to January 2020, 8 patients with RIBP were treated with segmental nerve resection and autografting, with or without other supplementary procedures. All patients underwent sural nerve grafting to the musculocutaneous nerve. All were female with a mean age of 53 (range 38-64) years. Seven were on the left, and 1 was on the right. The mean follow-up duration was 33 (range 17-72) months. By the final review, 7 of 8 patients regained at least antigravity elbow flexion. Four patients reached Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4, 3 MRC grade 3, and MRC grade 2 recovery in the biceps. The mean Visual Analog Score for pain improved from 2.6 preoperatively to 0.6 postoperatively ( P = .042). Nerve resection and autografting may restore satisfactory elbow flexion in patients with RIBP.

Evaluation of a technique of patellar tendon shortening to correct patella alta associated with severe crouch gait in cerebral palsy.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the results of patella tendon shortening to correct patella alta in the context of surgery for the management of severe crouch gait. Our aim was to ascertain whether the corrected position of the patella and improvement of the power of the quadriceps were maintained for 4 years or more. Twenty older children (mean age: 14.2 years) with long-standing crouch gait secondary to cerebral diplegia underwent surgery to correct crouch gait that included the patellar tendon shortening. The technique for plicating the tendon differed for skeletally mature and immature patients. The length of the patellar tendon was measured by the Koshino Index. The strength of the quadriceps muscle was assessed by manual muscle testing and with a dynamometer and extensor lag, if present, was measured with a goniometer. In all 40 knees, the patella was brought to a more distal position and the position was maintained for a mean duration of 84 months (Koshino Index: preoperative 1.3 ± 0.10; 3-month postoperative 0.95 ± 0.05; final follow-up 0.95 ± 0.04). The results were the same for the techniques used for skeletally mature and immature patients. The power of the quadriceps improved [Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 3 to MRC grade 4] and the improvement was maintained. The technique of patella tendon shortening was effective in correcting patella alta and improving quadriceps power. The shortened patellar tendon did not stretch over the period of follow-up. Level of evidence: III.

Pronator teres nerve branch transfer to the extensor carpi radialis brevis nerve branch for wrist extension reconstruction in proximal radial nerve injury following humeral shaft fractures

BackgroundTendon and nerve transfers are used for functional reconstruction in cases of proximal radial nerve injury complicated by humeral fractures in patients who do not show functional recovery after primary nerve repair. The effectiveness of pronator teres (PT) nerve branch transfer to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ERCB) nerve branch for wrist extension reconstruction was investigated and compared to the results of tendon transfer.MethodsThis study included 10 patients with proximal radial nerve injury, who did not show functional recovery after primary nerve repair at our hospital between April 2016 and May 2019. The nerve transfer procedure included PT nerve branch transfer to the ECRB nerve branch to restore wrist extension and the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) nerve branch to the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to restore thumb and finger extension. Tendon transfer procedures included PT transfer to the ECRB for wrist extension, FCR transfer to the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) for finger extension and palmaris longus (PL) transfer to the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) for thumb extension.ResultsFive patients recovered Medical Research Council grade M4 muscle strength in the ECRB and EPL in both tendon and nerve groups. Two patients recovered grade M3 strength and three patients recovered grade M4 strength in the EDC in the tendon transfer group, and all five patients recovered grade M4 strength in the EDC in the nerve transfer group. Limited wrist flexion was observed only in one patient in the tendon transfer group.ConclusionPT nerve branch transfer to the ECRB nerve branch combined with FCR nerve branch transfer to PIN is a useful strategy for wrist and fingers extension reconstruction in patients with proximal radial nerve injuries.

DOES TIMELY INTERVENTION DEFINE SURGICAL OUTCOMES IN CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. To assess func Study Design: Objective: tional outcome of patients irrespective of timing of surgical intervention in cases with cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome Background: (CES) is a spinal emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. CES presents with constellation of symptoms like saddle anaesthesia, bladder or bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, lower limb motor power loss having deep socioeconomic consequences on part of patients and medicolegal consequences on part of clinicians. 40 patients data were collected and compiled retrospectivel Methodology: y. Demographic data, Surgical data, Functional data in the form of bladder, bowel, sexual and motor power recovery were collected at 3 weeks, 6 months , 12 months follow-up and analysed based on Urinary symptom prole score, Neurogenic bowel dysfunction score, Arizona sexual experience scale, Medical Research Council grading respectively. Results: Though early presentation by the patient and emergent surgical intervention by clinician does play a decisive role in full and faster recovery of symptoms but our study suggests that even when patients presented with delay at our outpatient department and surgery was done on emergency basis, desired outcome was achieved in maximum number of cases presenting with incomplete CES.

Outcomes of Functioning Free Gracilis Muscle Transplantation to Restore Elbow Flexion in Late Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.

Restoring elbow function is challenging after late presenting brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Free functioning muscle transplantation (FFMT) using the gracilis muscle is a reliable procedure to restore elbow flexion in patients with impaired function after spontaneous recovery or failed surgical reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed on BPBI patients more than 2 years of age who received a FFMT between January 1993 and January 2018, with the aim of improving elbow flexion as the primary or secondary functional goal. Patients with preoperative elbow flexion Medical Research Council (MRC) grades less than 3 with more than or equal to 18 months of follow-up duration were included in the analysis. Patient demographic information and pre/postoperative clinical parameters including elbow flexion MRC scale, passive elbow range of motion, and complications were recorded. Surgical data including donor nerve choice, site of the FFMT tendon attachment, and necessity of concomitant procedures or reoperation were also analyzed. Fifty-six FFMTs were performed for the primary (29 patients) or secondary (26 patients) objective of restoring elbow flexion. The mean age at the time of the procedure was 9.6 years (standard deviation [SD] = 6.29, R = 3-35). Mean follow-up was 7.9 years (SD = 5.2). Elbow flexion improved from a median MRC grade 2 to 4 after a FFMT (p < 0.05). Patients who had a FFMT to restore two functions had 86% lower elbow flexion MRC grades than those who had a FFMT to restore flexion only (p < 0.05). Patients less than 12 years old at the time of surgery had more complications, reoperations, and rates of a flexion contracture more than or equal to 30 degrees than those aged more than 12 years (p < 0.05). FFMT is a reliable option for upper extremity reanimation. Patients aged less than 12 years old at the time of FFMT had significantly more complications, reoperations, and rates of postoperative elbow flexion contracture more than or equal to 30 degrees, but equivalent elbow flexion MRC grades. III.

Optimal timing of referral for nerve transfer surgery for postoperative C5 palsy.

Cervical nerve 5 palsy can occur following surgery for cervical spine pathology. The prognosis of C5 palsy is generally favorable, and most patients recover useful function. However, some patients do not recover useful strength. Nerve transfers are a potential effective treatment of postoperative severe C5 palsy. This study aimed to further delineate the natural history of recovery from postoperative C5 palsy, determine whether lack of recovery at specific time points predicts poor recovery prognosis, and thereby determine a reasonable time point for referral to a complex peripheral nerve specialist. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 72 patients who underwent surgery for cervical spondylosis and stenosis complicated by C5 palsy. Medical Research Council (MRC) motor strength grades were recorded preoperatively; immediately postoperatively; at discharge; and at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify demographic and clinical risk factors associated with recovery of useful strength after severe C5 palsy. The mean patient age was 62.5 years, and 36.1% of patients were female. Thirty patients (41.7%) experienced severe C5 palsy with less than antigravity strength (MRC grade 2 or less) at discharge. Twenty-one (70%) of these patients recovered useful strength (MRC grade 3 or greater) at 12 months postoperatively, and 9 patients (30%) did not recover useful strength at 12 months. Of those patients with persistent severe C5 palsy at 3 months postoperatively, 50% recovered useful strength at 12 months. Of those patients with persistent severe C5 palsy at 6 months postoperatively, 25% recovered useful strength at 12 months. No patient with MRC grade 0 or 1 strength at 6 months postoperatively recovered useful strength. A history of diabetes was associated with the occurrence of severe C5 palsy. On multivariate analysis, female sex was associated with recovery of useful strength. Most patients with severe C5 palsy recover useful strength in their C5 myotome within 12 months of onset. However, at 3 months postoperatively, patients with persistent severe C5 palsy had only a 50% chance of recovering useful strength by 12 months. Lack of recovery of useful strength at 3 months postoperatively is a reasonable time point for referral to a complex peripheral nerve center to establish care and to determine candidacy for nerve transfer surgery if severe C5 palsy persists.

Self-management programme of activity coping and education—SPACE for COPD(C)—in primary care: a pragmatic randomised trial

IntroductionWe have previously developed a supported self-management programme (SMP): Self-management Programme of Activity, Coping and Education for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which was successfully delivered on an individual basis....

An Uncommon Presentation of Constriction Band Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature

One of the rarer manifestations of constriction band syndrome (CBS) is peripheral nerve palsy. We report a 6-year-old child presenting with motor deficits of the median, ulnar and radial nerves and atrophy of the biceps and brachialis atrophy due to CBS. We were unable to find any similar reports in the literature. He had a constriction ring at the upper arm that had undergone multiple z-plasty by another surgeon. On examination, he had medical research council (MRC) grade 1 elbow flexion, weak flexion of fingers and absent extension of fingers and wrist. We used a pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to restore elbow flexion and the patient achieved M4 flexion of the elbow. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Nerve transfers for brachial plexus injuries: grading of volitional control.

After brachial plexus injuries (BPIs), nerve transfers are used to restore lost muscle function. Brain plasticity underlies the process of regaining volitional control, which encompasses disconnection of the original donor nerve-related programs and reconnection to acceptor nerve programs. To the authors' knowledge, the levels of disconnection and reconnection have never been studied systematically. In this study, the authors developed a novel 4-point plasticity grading scale (PGS) and assessed the degree of volitional control achieved, identifying clinical correlations with this score. Patients with BPI who underwent a phrenic, spinal accessory, median, and/or ulnar fascicle nerve transfer to restore biceps and deltoid function were asked to maximally contract their target muscle as follows: 1) by using only the donor nerve program, and 2) by activating the target muscle while consciously trying to avoid using the donor nerve, with assessment each time of the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale grade for muscle strength. The authors' PGS was used to rate the level of volitional control achieved. PGS grade 1 represented the lowest independent volitional control, with MRC grade 4 obtained in response to the donor command and MRC grade 0 in response to the acceptor command (minimum brain plasticity), whereas PGS grade 4 was no noticeable contraction in response to the donor command and MRC grade 4 in response to the acceptor command (maximum brain plasticity). In total, 153 patients were studied. For biceps restoration, the phrenic nerve was used as a donor in 44 patients, the spinal accessory nerve in 40 patients, and the median and/or ulnar fascicles in 44 patients. A triceps branch was used to restore deltoid function in 25 patients. The level of volitional control achieved was PGS grade 1 in 1 patient (0.6%), grade 2 in 21 patients (13.7%), grade 3 in 103 patients (67.3%), and grade 4 in 28 patients (18.3%). The median PGS grade did not differ significantly between the four donor nerves. No correlations were observed between age, time from BPI to surgery, duration of follow-up, or compliance with rehabilitation and PGS grade. Just around 20% of the authors' patients developed a complete disconnection of the donor program along with complete independent control over the reinnervated muscle. Incomplete disconnection was present in the vast majority of the patients, and the level of disconnection and control was poor in approximately 15% of patients. Brain plasticity underlies patient ability to regain volitional control after a nerve transfer, but this capacity is limited.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Correlates Among Female Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients at a Rural Tertiary Health Care Center in Northern India.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that is thought to result from chronic inflammation that may affect other organ systems. Similarly, metabolic syndrome includes central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hyperglycemia, and hypertension. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among female COPD patients in northern India needs to be evaluated.Aim and objectives: To find the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its correlates among female chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients at a rural tertiary health care center in northern India.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2019 and June 2020 at a rural tertiary health care center in northern India. The female patients who presented with symptoms of COPD and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included and classified by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD 2020) guideline while the clinical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made according to National Cholesterol Education Program: Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP: ATP III) criteria.Results: A total of 210 female COPD patients were included, the mean age of patients who had metabolic syndrome was 63.38±10.54 years. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 60.48% of patients. There was a significant difference between female COPD patients with and without metabolic syndrome regarding body weight, BMI (body mass index), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood sugar, serum triglyceride, serum HDL-C. Whereas no significant difference was found between patients with and without metabolic syndrome group regarding smoking exposure, biomass fuel exposure, duration of biomass fuel exposure, mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) grading of breathlessness, GOLD grading of airflow limitation, route and duration of corticosteroid used. In our study, we also found a significant association between the severity of airflow limitation of COPD with the duration of biomass fuel exposure and BMI. Also, there was a significant association between biomass fuel exposure and the presence of cough in female COPD patients.Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent entity in female COPD patients among the northern Indian population. Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, DBP, fasting blood sugar, serum triglyceride, and serum HDL-C have a significant impact on developing metabolic syndrome in female COPD patients. Duration of biomass fuel exposure and BMI also have a significant impact on the severity of airflow limitation in female COPD patients. So early detection and treatment of parameters of metabolic syndrome are important to reduce complications.

Acute Transverse Myelitis after Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report

Herpes zoster is caused by reactivated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and characterized by a painful skin rash with vesicles that affects the adjacent dermatomes. Transverse myelitis is a rare complication of VZV infection that may even occur in immunocompetent patients. Here, we report a 60-year-old male patient admitted with right lower-extremity weakness and hypesthesia. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed transverse myelitis at the C3–C4 and T6 levels. A month prior to admission, the patient was diagnosed with herpes zoster involving the right T2-T4 dermatome. Considering his history of VZV infection, he was treated with intravenous steroids and acyclovir. Eleven days after hospitalization, paraplegia developed to Medical Research Council grade 0/5 despite performing plasmapheresis. MRI confirmed the aggravation of the cord lesion between T4 and T7. Acute transverse myelitis after VZV infection is a rare disease that can cause serious sequelae in immunocompetent patients. Therefore, clinicians should be cautious of this situation.

Muscle ultrasound is a sensitive biomarker in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late-onset, progressive muscle disease. Quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) assesses structural changes in muscles and is a sensitive biomarker in neuromuscular disorders. Our aim of this study was to determine whether QMUS can detect muscle pathology and can be used as longitudinal imaging biomarker in OPMD. Genetically confirmed OPMD patients, recruited by their treating physicians or from the national neuromuscular database, were examined twice, 20 months apart, using QMUS of orofacial and limb muscles, and measurements of functional capacity and muscle strength. Absolute echo intensity (AEI) and muscle thickness of all muscles were analyzed and correlated with clinical data. The tongue, deltoid, iliopsoas, rectus femoris, and soleus muscles showed increased AEI at baseline compared with normal values in 43 OPMD patients, with the rectus femoris being most often affected (51%).The AEI and muscle thickness of 9 of 11 muscles correlated significantly with the motor function measure, 10-step stair test, swallowing capacity, dynamometry, Medical Research Council grade, tongue strength, and bite force (r=0.302 to -0.711). Between baseline and follow-up, deterioration in AEI was found for the temporalis, tongue, and deltoid muscles, and decreased muscle thickness was detected for the temporalis, masseter, digastric, tongue, deltoid, iliopsoas, and soleus muscles (P< .05). No relation was found between the change in AEI and repeat length or disease duration. QMUS detected muscle pathology and disease progression in OPMD over 20 months. We conclude that QMUS should be considered as a biomarker in treatment trials.

Defects of the sciatic nerve and its divisions treated by direct suturing in 90 degrees knee flexion: report on the first clinical series.

To evaluate functional results after treatment of large defects of the sciatic nerve and its divisions by direct nerve suturing in high knee flexion. A retrospective review was conducted in patients treated for lower extremity nerve defects between 2011 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were a defect > 2cm with a minimal follow-up period of 2years for the sciatic nerve and 1year for its divisions. Nerve defects were bridged by an end-to-end suture with the knee flexed at 90° for 6weeks. Functional results were assessed based on the Medical Research Council's grading system. Seventeen patients with a mean age of 27.6years were included. They presented with seven sciatic nerve defects and ten division defects, including eight missile injuries. The mean time to surgery was 12.3weeks and the mean nerve defect length was 5cm. Overall, 21 nerve sutures were performed, with eight in the tibial distribution and 13 in the fibular distribution. Post-operatively, there was no significant knee stiffness related to the immobilization. The mean follow-up time was 24.5months. Meaningful motor and sensory recovery were observed after 7 of 8 sutures in the tibial distribution and 11 of 13 sutures in the fibular distribution. A functional sural triceps muscle with protective sensibility of the sole was restored in all patients. There were no differences according to the injury mechanisms. Temporary knee flexion at 90° allows for direct coaptation of sciatic nerve defects up to 8cm, with promising results no matter the level or mechanism of injury.

Neurotization of musculocutaneous nerve with intercostal nerve versus phrenic nerve - A retrospective comparative study.

Background: Brachial plexus injuries are common after both blunt and penetrating traumas resulting in upper limb weakness. The nerve transfer to the affected nerve distal to the injury site is a good option where proximal stump of the nerve is unhealthy or absent which has shown early recovery and better results. Commonly used procedures to restore elbow flexion are ipsilateral phrenic or ipsilateral intercostal nerves (ICNs) in global plexus injuries. The use of both intercostal and phrenic nerves for elbow flexion is well described and there is no definite consensus on the superiority of one on another.Methods: All patients presented in the outpatient department of LNH and MC from January 2014 to December 2017 with pan plexus or upper plexus injury with no signs of improvement for at least 3 months were included in the study. After 3 months of conservative trial; surgery offered to patients.Results: A total of 25 patients (n = 25) were operated from January 2015 to December 2017. Patients were followed to record Medical Research Council (MRC) grades at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months. The patients achieved at least MRC Grade 3; 70% at 12 months follow-up to 80% at 18 months in the phrenic nerve transfer group. While in the ICN transfer group, it is 86% and 100% at 12 and 18 months postoperative, respectively.Conclusion: Our study has shown better results with ICN transfers to musculocutaneous nerve, recorded on MRC grading system.

Bilateral Cerebral Infarctions Secondary to Unilateral ICA Stenosis

A 76-year-old diabetic man presented to us with complaints of sudden-onset right-sided weakness for the last 4 days. On evaluation, he was found to have right hemiparesis (Modified Medical Research Council grade 4-/5) along with left leg weakness (4+/5). Neuroimaging revealed acute infarcts in the right anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory and left cerebral external watershed territory. Magnetic resonance (MR) angiogram of the brain showed a hypoplastic right A1-ACA with bilateral A2-ACA arising from the left A1-ACA (bi-hemispheric A1-ACA). MR angiogram of the neck revealed significant left internal carotid artery (ICA) origin stenosis. It was concluded that the origin of right A2-ACA from left ACA was the probable because of right ACA infarcts, along with left cerebral watershed infarcts (embolic phenomenon). This represents a very important variation, as in these cases, even a unilateral ICA stenosis can lead to bilateral ACA stroke and thus necessitates urgent revascularization.

Posterior Deltoid Function After Transfer of Branch to the Long Head Triceps Brachii of the Radial Nerve to the Anterior Branch of the Axillary Nerve

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of the posterior part of the deltoid after nerve transfer of the long head triceps branch of the radial nerve to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in patients with an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury. We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients diagnosed with an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury who underwent nerve transfer of the long head triceps muscle branch of the radial nerve to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in our institute between 2012 and 2017. Data on age, sex, the mechanism of injury, the pattern of injury, and operative treatment were collected from medical records. Preoperative and postoperative clinical examinations, including motor powers of shoulder abduction and extension according to Medical Research Council grading, were evaluated. At a minimum of 2 years after the operation, we evaluated the recovery of the posterior deltoid function using the swallow-tail test. Twenty-two patients (84.6%) had recovery of posterior deltoid function confirmed by the swallow-tail test. There were 23 patients (88.5%) who achieved at least Medical Research Council grade 4 of shoulder abduction. Nerve transfer from the branch to the long head triceps to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve is an effective technique for restoring deltoid function in an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury. This technique can provide shoulder abduction and shoulder extension, which are the functions of the posterior deltoid muscle. Therapeutic IV.

Polymyositis: The Comet Tail After COVID-19

Infectious agents have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders for decades. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is no exception. This became evident as the pandemic evolved. Once considered a respiratory pathogen only, SARS-CoV-2 is now linked to a variety of autoimmune rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, reactive arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, vasculitis, and inflammatory myopathy. Although the exact cause for muscle injury in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not established, autoimmune inflammatory damage is the most accepted mechanism. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 can cause direct muscle damage and indirectly through a cytokine storm. Inflammatory polymyositis in relation to COVID-19 has seldom been reported in developing countries.Here, we report a unique case of inflammatory polymyositis in a 52-year-old lady. The patient presented with muscle weakness, generalized body aches, and fatigue occurring four months after recovering from mild COVID-19. She had muscle weakness of Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 3/5 involving the shoulders and pelvic girdle with elevated muscle enzymes. Electromyography revealed an active irritable myopathic process consistent with inflammatory polymyositis. She underwent magnetic resonance imaging-guided muscle biopsy from the right thigh which revealed findings consistent with inflammatory myopathy. She was offered prednisolone and azathioprine. After four weeks of treatment, she had a remarkable improvement in her muscle strength to MRC grade 5/5.

GP.3 Measurement of decremental response is repeatable in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Background: Neuromuscular junction transmission impairment has been described in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The degree of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) decrement may correlate with disease activity if measurement is repeatable. We determined test-retest correlation of decremental response in patients with ALS. Methods: RNS (3 Hz) was assessed by blinded technician and clinician on median - abductor pollicis brevis (median-APB), ulnar - adductor digiti minimi (ulnar-ADM), and/or accessory - trapezius (accessory-TRAP) nerve-muscle pairs during two evaluations. Repeatability was assessed by measuring the strength of test-retest correlation using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: 24 patients were included. Decrement was measured for 16 patients on median-APB, 22 on ulnar-ADM, and 24 on accessory-TRAP. Repeated measures of decrement demonstrated strong test-retest correlation for median-APB (r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.001) and accessory-TRAP (r = 0.87, p &lt; 0.001). Correlation was poor in ulnar-ADM (r = −0.01, p = 0.949). Correlation was superior in median-APB muscles with higher Medical Research Council (MRC) grade strength (MRC ≥ 4, r = 0.89, p = 0.001 vs MRC &lt; 4, r = 0.73, p = 0.062). Conclusions: Decremental response in patients with ALS has strong test-retest correlation in median-APB and accessory-TRAP, but not in ulnar-ADM.

Quantifying long-term upper-limb activity using wearable motion sensors after nerve reconstruction for neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

Standard, physician-elicited clinical assessment tools for the evaluation of function after nerve reconstruction for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) do not accurately reflect real-world arm function. Wearable activity monitors allow for the evaluation of patient-initiated, spontaneous arm movement during activities of daily living. In this pilot study, the authors demonstrate the feasibility of using body-worn sensor technology to quantify spontaneous arm movement in children with NBPP 10 years after nerve reconstruction and report the timing and magnitude of recovered arm movement. Eight children with NBPP who underwent brachial plexus reconstruction approximately 10 years prior were recruited to take part in this single-institution prospective pilot study. Per the treatment protocol of the authors' institution, operated patients had severe, nonrecovering nerve function at the time of surgery. The patients were fitted with an activity monitoring device on each of the affected and unaffected arms, which were worn for 7 consecutive days. The duration (VT) and power (VM) with which each arm moved during the patient's normal daily activities were extracted from the accelerometry data and ratios comparing the affected and unaffected arms were calculated. Demographic data and standard physician-elicited clinical measures of upper-extremity function were also collected. Three children underwent nerve grafting and transfer and 5 children underwent graft repair only. The mean (± SD) active range of motion was 98° ± 53° for shoulder abduction, 130° ± 24° for elbow flexion, and 39° ± 34° for shoulder external rotation. The median Medical Research Council grade was at least 2.5 for all muscle groups. The median Mallet grade was at least 2 for all categories, and 13.5 total. The VT ratio was 0.82 ± 0.08 and the VM ratio was 0.53 ± 0.12. Wearable activity monitors such as accelerometers can be used to quantify spontaneous arm movement in children who underwent nerve reconstruction for NBPP at long-term follow-up. These data more accurately reflect complex, goal-oriented movement needed to perform activities of daily living. Notably, despite severe, nonrecovering nerve function early in life, postsurgical NBPP patients use their affected arms more than 80% of the time that they use their unaffected arms, paralleling results in patients with NBPP who recovered spontaneously. These data represent the first long-term, real-world evidence to support brachial plexus reconstruction for patients with NBPP.

A Case Report of Korean Medical Intervention in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis after Myasthenia Crisis

Objective: This study reports on the management of a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) following myasthenic crisis (MC) using Korean medicine.Methods: A 77-year-old Class Ⅴ MG patient was treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, and Korean herbal medicine. A manual muscle test was used to derive a Medical Research Council (MRC) score and the patient’s subjective view of his dyspnea was measured to assess MG symptoms.Results: The MRC grade indicated significant deterioration after 65 days of treatment, although there was no change in the patient’s subjective dyspnea assessment. But no other MG or MC complications occurred.Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean medicine could be used for the management of Class Ⅴ MG patients.