Total Brachial Plexus Palsy Research Articles

Tendon transfer from a re-innervated triceps to the biceps for restoration of elbow flexion in total brachial plexus palsy

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the tendon transfer from a reinnervated triceps to biceps in the context of total brachial plexus palsy. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study. Patients had reinnervation of the triceps either by spontaneous recovery or by nerve transfer. Functional results were assessed by strength and range of motion. The level of patient satisfaction was measured on a scale from 0 to 10. ResultsSix patients (6 transfers) were included. Two triceps had spontaneous reinnervation and the other four through neurotization of intercostal nerves. All patients recovered strength to M4 in flexion with an average secondary deficit of 10° (5°–15°). The mean level of satisfaction was measured at 7/10 (6–8). ConclusionsThis tendon transfer is a reliable and simple solution for supportive restoration of elbow flexion. Systematic reinnervation of active extension of the elbow should be proposed for the gain in function that it represents but also for the supportive therapeutic opportunity that it offers should nerve surgery for elbow flexion fail. Level of evidence4.

Motor nerve transfers for restoration of upper arm function in adult brachial plexus injuries

Introduction. Nerve transfers are the only surgical option in reconstruction of directly irreparable injuries of the brachial plexus. In the recent years there has been a trend toward the increased use of nerve transfers with introduction of many new methods and novel indications. Patients with total brachial plexus palsy generally have a poor outcome because of a very limited number of donor nerves. On the contrary, patients with partial injuries involving the C5, C6 and sometimes C7 spinal nerves have a remarquable outcome in a large majority of cases. In both situations , restoration of elbow flexion and shoulder functions are the main priorities. It should be emphasized, that in the cases with upper brachial plexus palsy this could be a complete functional recovery. The intention of this review article is a detailed survey on basics of nerve transfers with the comments concerning their advantages, problems and controversies. Analysis is documented with reported outcomes in the literature dealing with the most common methods of nerve transfer.Methods. PubMed/Medline databases were searched for English language basic articles concernig nerve transfers and series of adult patients who had nerve transfers for functional restoration of the upper arm nerves, performed within one year after injury and with minimum follow-up of one year. Finally, we selected 70 articles . Furthermore, literature search for outcome analysis was limited to the articles published after 1990 that included 45 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the most common nerve transfers ( intercostal, spinal accessory, fascicular and collateral branches of the brachial plexus ). Analysis of clinical outcomes was based on Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system for muscle strenght, and grades M3 or more were considered as useful functional recovery.Results. Generally, intraplexal nerve transfers resulted with higher rate and better quality of recovery, comparing to the extraspinal transfers. Grades M3 or more were obtained in 72% of the intercostal and 73% of the spinal accessory nerve transfers for restoration of elbow flexion, and in 56% vs. 98% of transfers for restoration of shoulder function. Among intraplexal nerve transfers , elbow flexion was restored in 84% to 91% of the medial pectoral, 100% of the thoracodorsal and 94% to 100% of the single or double fascicular nerve transfers. Shoulder function was restored in 81,8% of the medial pectoral, 86% to 93% of the thoracodorsal and 100% of the triceps branch nerve transfers. Dual nerve transfers, meanning simultaneous reinnervation of the suprascapular and axillary nerves, resulted with 100% rate of recovery.Conclusion. Double fascicular transfer for restoration of elbow flexion and dual nerve transfer for restoration of shoulder function resulted with significantly better results than the other transfers, especially regarding the quality of recovery, meanning representation of grades M4 and M5 among recoveries. Medial pectoral and thoracodorsal nerve transfers proved as a good alternative for restoration of both functions.

The Intercostal Nerves Transfer to the Radial Nerve Branch to the Long Head Triceps Muscle: Influencing Factor and Outcome of 55 Cases

The objective of this study was to report the functional outcomes and factors affecting the result of intercostal nerves transfer to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle for restoration of elbow extension in patients with total brachial plexus palsy or C5 to C7 palsy with the loss of triceps muscle function. Fifty-five patients with total brachial plexus palsy or C5 to C7 palsy with no triceps muscle function had a reconstruction of elbow extension by transferring the third to fifth intercostal nerves to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle. The functional outcomes determined by the Medical Research Council grading were evaluated. Factors influencing the outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis. At the follow-up of at least 2 years, 36 patients (65%) had antigravity motor function (Medical Research Council grade, ≥3). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the body mass index, time to surgery, and injury of the dominant limb were associated with the outcome. The third to fifth intercostal nerves transfer to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle is an effective procedure to restore elbow extension. We would recommend using 3 intercostal nerves without grafts; in cases of nerve root avulsion in which there is no chance of spontaneous recovery, early surgery should be considered. Therapeutic IV.

"All in One or (W)hole in One Repair" for Adult Total Brachial Plexus Palsy.

Background Total brachial plexus palsy (TBPP) accounts for nearly 50% of all brachial plexus injuries. Since achieving a good functional hand was almost impossible, the aim was settled to get a good shoulder and elbow function. It was Gu, who popularized the concept of utilizing contralateral C7 (CC7) with vascularized ulnar nerve graft (VUNG) to get some hand function. We have modified it to suit our patients by conducting it as a single-stage procedure, thereby trying to get a functional upper limb. Methods From 2009 to 2014, we had 20 TBPP patients. We feel nerve reconstruction is always better than any other salvage procedure, including free muscle transfer. We modified Gu's concept and present our concept of total nerve reconstruction as “ALL IN ONE OR (W)HOLE IN ONE REPAIR.” Results All patients able to move their reconstructed limbs independently or with the help of contralateral limbs. Three patients developed hook grip and one patient was able to incorporate limbs to do bimanual jobs. One important observation is that all the reconstructed limbs regain the bulk, and to a certain extent, the attitude and appearance looks normal, as patients no longer hide it or hang it in a sling. Conclusion Adult brachial plexus injury itself is a devastating injury affecting young males. By doing this procedure, the affected limb is not dissociated from the rest of the body and rehabilitation can be aimed to get a supportive limb.

Free Vascularized Rectus Abdominis Transfer With Pedicled Intercostal Innervation for Functional Reconstruction of the Elbow in Total Brachial Plexus Palsy

Reanimation of palsied upper limbs usually follows an escalating pattern of nerve repair, nerve transfers, and musculotendinous transfers and culminates in free functioning muscle transfers. When there are no other musculotendinous options, we explored the possibility of transferring the rectus abdominus to the biceps by maintaining the nerve pedicle but dividing the vascular pedicle and anastomosing it to the brachial artery. We performed anatomical dissection of the nerve and blood supply of 6 rectus abdominis muscles in 3 cadavers. A retrospective analysis of 4 patients in whom a rectus abdominus muscle transfer with a pedicled nerve, but free vascular supply, was then performed. The anatomical feasibility study demonstrated that it was possible to elevate the rectus abdominis on its intercostal nerve supply to the midaxillary line, allowing the muscle to be pedicled on its nerve supply and be transferred to the arm to reconstruct biceps. The vascular supply could be reestablished by anastomosis of inferior epigastric vessels to the brachial artery and veins. In 4 patients, elbow flexion strength of M3 or greater was achieved. Average elbow range of dynamic flexion was 120° (range, 92° to 131°). Shoulder stability and external rotation improved in all patients with resolution of shoulder subluxation. Two patients developed donor site hernias requiring mesh reconstruction. Complications included a hypertrophic recipient site scar in one patient, and recipient site wound dehiscence in another. Rectus abdominus can be transferred to reconstruct elbow flexion when other musculotendinous transfers are unavailable and as an alternative to free functioning muscle transfer. However, rectus abdominus transfer still requires microsurgical skills for the vessel anastomoses. This is an effective procedure for functional reconstruction of the elbow and adds to the armamentarium in the management of brachial plexus pathology when other transfers are unavailable. Therapeutic V.

The value of preoperative examination and MRI for the diagnosis of graftable roots in total brachial plexus palsy

The objective of our study was to evaluate the reliability of clinical examination paired with MRI to determine whether one or both of the superior C5 and C6 roots are graftable in cases of complete brachial plexus palsy. We conducted a retrospective study from 2013 to 2018. Twenty-seven patients who had total brachial plexus palsy and were more than 18 years of age were included. The Horner and the Tinel signs, potential phrenic nerve injury and anterior serratus muscle function were investigated. MRI with STIR 3D sequence was performed in each patient. Surgical exploration of the C5 and C6 roots confirmed if they were avulsed and, if found to be ruptured, assessed the possibility of grafting them. Serratus anterior testing had a specificity and a positive predictive value of 100% and diagnostic accuracy of 78%. The presence of the Tinel sign had a sensitivity and a negative predictive value of 100% and diagnostic accuracy of 93%. MRI had a sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 89%. A decision tree to determine whether or not C5 and/or C6 can be grafted has been developed. Its sensitivity and negative predictive value were 100%. This study provides initial validation of this diagnostic method for the diagnosis of graftable C5 and/or C6 roots. It could help prevent needless cervical exploration.

Contralateral C7 to C7 nerve root transfer in reconstruction for treatment of total brachial plexus palsy: anatomical basis and preliminary clinical results.

OBJECTIVEContralateral C7 (CC7) nerve root has been used as a donor nerve for targeted neurotization in the treatment of total brachial plexus palsy (TBPP). The authors aimed to study the contribution of C7 to the innervation of specific upper-limb muscles and to explore the utility of C7 nerve root as a recipient nerve in the management of TBPP.METHODSThis was a 2-part investigation. 1) Anatomical study: the C7 nerve root was dissected and its individual branches were traced to the muscles in 5 embalmed adult cadavers bilaterally. 2) Clinical series: 6 patients with TBPP underwent CC7 nerve transfer to the middle trunk of the injured side. Outcomes were evaluated with the modified Medical Research Council scale and electromyography studies.RESULTSIn the anatomical study there were consistent and predominantly C7-derived nerve fibers in the lateral pectoral, thoracodorsal, and radial nerves. There was a minor contribution from C7 to the long thoracic nerve. The average distance from the C7 nerve root to the lateral pectoral nerve entry point of the pectoralis major was the shortest, at 10.3 ± 1.4 cm. In the clinical series the patients had been followed for a mean time of 30.8 ± 5.3 months postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, 5 of 6 patients regained M3 or higher power for shoulder adduction and elbow extension. Two patients regained M3 wrist extension. All regained some wrist and finger extension, but muscle strength was poor. Compound muscle action potentials were recorded from the pectoralis major at a mean follow-up of 6.7 ± 0.8 months; from the latissimus dorsi at 9.3 ± 1.4 months; from the triceps at 11.5 ± 1.4 months; from the wrist extensors at 17.2 ± 1.5 months; from the flexor carpi radialis at 17.0 ± 1.1 months; and from the digital extensors at 22.8 ± 2.0 months. The average sensory recovery of the index finger was S2. Transient paresthesia in the hand on the donor side, which resolved within 6 months postoperatively, was reported by all patients.CONCLUSIONSThe C7 nerve root contributes consistently to the lateral pectoral nerve, the thoracodorsal nerve, and long head of the triceps branch of the radial nerve. CC7 to C7 nerve transfer is a reconstructive option in the overall management plan for TBPP. It was safe and effective in restoring shoulder adduction and elbow extension in this patient series. However, recoveries of wrist and finger extensions are poor.

Contralateral medial pectoral nerve transfer with free gracilis muscle transfer in old brachial plexus palsy

BackgroundThere is a very small chance of success for nerve reconstruction in patients with old total brachial plexus palsy who visit after 2 y or suffer from flail upper extremity after the failure of previous operations. Materials and methodsFor these individuals, the surgeon has to find a recipient motor nerve to perform free gracilis muscle transplantation. In this study, contralateral medial pectoral nerve from the intact side was transferred to the damaged side as a recipient nerve. Then, in the second operation, approximately 15 mo later, the free gracilis muscle transfer was performed. The gracilis muscle was removed and transferred to provide elbow and finger flexion. ResultsIn a retrospective study (over 10 y), we reviewed 68 patients for whom this method had been performed. After 1 y, the results were investigated using the Medical Research Council grading system. Five patients did not participate in the study, and the muscle underwent necrosis in two patients. M3 and M4 muscle power was regained in 26 (42.6%) and 21 (34.4%) patients, respectively. ConclusionsContralateral pectoral nerve transfer followed by free muscle transplantation can be a good option for patients with old total brachial plexus palsy.

Free functioning gracilis transfer for reanimation of elbow and hand in total traumatic brachial plexopathy in children.

IV.

Restoration of elbow and hand function in total brachial plexus palsy with intercostal nerves and C5 root neurotization. Results in 21 patients

Consensus opinion is that active movement of the elbow is a priority in the surgical treatment of total brachial plexus injuries. But the indications and neurotization techniques used to restore motor function of the hand are the subject of discussion. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate, in adult patients with complete post-traumatic paralysis of the brachial plexus, the functional results of neurotization of four intercostal nerves on the musculocutaneous nerve and grafting of the C5 root by one strand on the nerve to the long head of triceps and three strands on the medial component of the median nerve. The cohort included 21 patients (mean age 21years). The average time between the trauma and surgical treatment was 4.8months. At a mean follow-up of 22months, 67% of patients achieved≥M3 elbow flexion, and 62% achieved≥M3 active elbow extension. Of the patients who had the required follow-up of 2years to assess motor recovery of the median nerve, 40% achieved function≥M3. Based on our results, use of the C5 root is suitable for surgically restoring elbow extension and finger flexion.

Results of spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer in 110 patients with complete palsy of the brachial plexus.

OBJECTIVE Transfer of the spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve is a common procedure, performed to reestablish shoulder motion in patients with total brachial plexus palsy. However, the results of this procedure remain largely unknown. METHODS Over an 11-year period (2002-2012), 257 patients with total brachial plexus palsy were operated upon in the authors' department by a single surgeon and had the spinal accessory nerve transferred to the suprascapular nerve. Among these, 110 had adequate follow-up and were included in this study. Their average age was 26 years (SD 8.4 years), and the mean interval between their injury and surgery was 5.2 months (SD 2.4 months). Prior to 2005, the suprascapular and spinal accessory nerves were dissected through a classic supraclavicular L-shape incision (n = 29). Afterward (n = 81), the spinal accessory and suprascapular nerves were dissected via an oblique incision, extending from the point at which the plexus crossed the clavicle to the anterior border of the trapezius muscle. In 17 of these patients, because of clavicle fractures or dislocation, scapular fractures or retroclavicular scarring, the incision was extended by detaching the trapezius from the clavicle to expose the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular fossa. In all patients, the brachial plexus was explored and elbow flexion reconstructed by root grafting (n = 95), root grafting and phrenic nerve transfer (n = 6), phrenic nerve transfer (n = 1), or third, fourth, and fifth intercostal nerve transfer. Postoperatively, patients were followed for an average of 40 months (SD 13.7 months). RESULTS Failed recovery, meaning less than 30° abduction, was observed in 10 (9%) of the 110 patients. The failure rate was 25% between 2002 and 2004, but dropped to 5% after the staged/extended approach was introduced. The mean overall range of abduction recovery was 58.5° (SD 26°). Comparing before and after distal suprascapular nerve exploration (2005-2012), the range of abduction recovery was 45° (SD 25.1°) versus 62° (SD 25.3°), respectively (p = 0.002). In patients who recovered at least 30° of abduction, recovery of elbow flexion to at least an M3 level of strength increased the range of abduction by an average of 13° (p = 0.01). Before the extended approach, 2 (7%) of 29 patients recovered active external rotation of 20° and 120°. With the staged/extended approach, 32 (40%) of 81 recovered some degree of active external rotation. In these patients, the average range of motion measured from the thorax was 87° (SD 40.6°). CONCLUSIONS In total palsies of the brachial plexus, using the spinal accessory nerve for transfer to the suprascapular nerve is reliable and provides some recovery of abduction for a large majority of patients. In a few patients, a more extensive approach to access the suprascapular nerve, including, if necessary, dissection in the suprascapular fossa, may enhance outcomes.

Long-term functional outcome of children with total obstetric brachial plexus palsy after surgery

Long-term functional outcome of children with total obstetric brachial plexus palsy after surgery

Current Procedure of Double Free Muscle Transfer for Traumatic Total Brachial Plexus Palsy.

We describe the current procedure of not only double free muscle transfer but also supplemental techniques including nerve transfer for shoulder and elbow reconstruction and secondary surgery for the wrist and fingers to improve prehensile function following traumatic total brachial plexus palsy1-4. Coronal and transverse MRIs and intraoperative electrical stimulation are useful for nerve-root evaluation. If the nerve gap is <10 cm, use the sural nerve as an interpositional graft; if the nerve gap is >15 cm, use a vascularized ulnar or radial nerve graft from the ipsilateral forearm; if the ipsilateral nerve roots are not available, explore the contralateral plexus. Prepare the recipient site, harvest the gracilis muscle, and transfer the muscle graft. Repair the long-head branches of the triceps brachii muscle of the radial nerve by using the third and fourth intercostal nerves, and the median nerve by using the sensory branch of the the second and third intercostal nerves; then transfer the second free muscle. Immobilize the upper limb for eight weeks, and start early passive mobilization at one week. Secondary procedures include wrist fusion, correction of intrinsic minus deformity, etc. From 2002 to 2008, thirty-six patients underwent reconstruction with the double free muscle technique to treat a total brachial plexus palsy5. IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Outcome of Surgical Reconstruction After Traumatic Total Brachial Plexus Palsy

Double free muscle transfer for the treatment of traumatic total brachial plexus injury provides useful prehensile function. We studied the outcome of this muscle transfer procedure, including the changes in disability and quality-of-life scores. Thirty-six patients with traumatic total brachial plexus injury who underwent double free muscle transfer for reconstruction from 2002 to 2008 and had a minimum follow-up of twenty-four months after the second free muscle transfer were studied. All were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires. A separate questionnaire was used to determine job status, pain, use of the reconstructed hand, and satisfaction with the procedure. The mean patient age was twenty-nine years (range, sixteen to forty-nine years), and the mean duration of follow-up was thirty-six months (range, twenty-four to seventy-nine months). The mean active range of motion was 23° (range, 0° to 80°) for shoulder flexion, 31° (range, 0° to 90°) for shoulder abduction, -18° (range, -80° to 40°) for shoulder external rotation, 62° (range, 0° to 130°) for the shoulder rotation arc, 119° (range, 90° to 150°) for elbow flexion, and -33° (range, -60° to -20°) for elbow extension. The power of elbow flexion was M4 in twenty-five patients and M3 in eleven. Twenty-three patients had triceps nerve reconstruction; extension was M0 in two of these patients, M1 in seven, M2 in ten, and M3 in four. Total active motion of the fingers was 46° (range, 0° to 98°), with a mean hook grip strength of 4 kg (range, 0 to 12 kg). Wilcoxon tests revealed significant improvements in the DASH score and the SF-36 physical functioning, role physical, and physical component summary scores. The majority of patients worked but had changed their type of work, used the reconstructed hand in activities of daily living that required both hands, and were satisfied with the procedure. Double free muscle transfer yielded satisfactory function and allowed use of the reconstructed hand in activities that required both hands. The improvement in the DASH score was greater than that in the SF-36 score.

Current Procedure of Double Free Muscle Transfer for Traumatic Total Brachial Plexus Palsy

Current Procedure of Double Free Muscle Transfer for Traumatic Total Brachial Plexus Palsy

Patrones de lesión en parálisis obstétricas del plexo braquial. Hallazgos morfológicos en 27 exploraciones microquirúrgicas.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objetivo: &lt;/strong&gt;Evaluar los patrones morfológicos lesiónales en parálisis obstétricas del plexo braquial encontrados en 27 casos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materiales y Métodos:&lt;/strong&gt; Se evaluó retrospectivamente los datos de las historias clínicas de 27 exploraciones microquirúrgicas realizadas durante el periodo de los años 2009-2012. Se usó la clasificación clínica de Narakas. Se comparó los hallazgos operatorios con el patrón clínico de lesión.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Resultados: &lt;/strong&gt;se observaron 17 patrones diferentes de lesión. Las parálisis totales mostraban el mayor tipo de diversidad lesional, presentando en general roturas de raíces altas con avulsiones de raíces bajas. El compromiso clínico de la raíz de C7 no siempre se correlaciono con los hallazgos quirúrgicos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusión: &lt;/strong&gt;las parálisis obstétricas del plexo braquial muestran una gran diversidad de lesiones. La cirugía es altamente demandante, requiriendo el manejo de todas las estrategias de reconstrucción para poder ser usadas dependiendo de acuerdo a los hallazgos quirúrgicos.&lt;/p&gt;

Postoperative Monitoring in Free Muscle Transfers for Reconstruction in Brachial Plexus Injuries

Free gracilis transfers are done for reanimation of the upper limb in traumatic total brachial plexus palsy. Because of buried nature of the free muscle and monitoring skin flap in the axillary or infraclavicular region, it is always a tricky situation for continuous and repeated monitoring to assess vascular status. Critical ischemia times vary between the muscle and monitoring skin flap because of which signs of ischemic changes in the monitoring skin flap are always delayed with respect to the muscle. We describe a novel method that uses the principle of evoked potentials from the muscle to assess the vascular status of the free muscle and detects vascular compromise early before the skin changes are apparent.

Our experience with surgical treatment of perinatal brachial plexus palsy – results in different types of lesions

Perinatal brachial plexus palsies can be divided into upper (C5-C6), upper-middle (C5-C6-C7) and total injuries (C5-Th1). The study aimed to evaluate the results of surgical repair in the different types of palsies. The patient population comprised 80 children who underwent primary repair of the brachial plexus (external neurolysis, internal neurolysis, direct neurorrhaphy, nerve grafts, extraanatomical intraplexus reconstruction, extraanatomical extraplexus reconstruction). 31 patients were additionally subjected to 39 tenomioplasty procedures. Widely recognised assessment scales were used to evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment of different types of palsies in 70 patients. Good and very good post-operative function of the glenohumeral and elbow joints was demonstrated in all patients with upper palsy. In the group of upper-middle injuries, 61.5% of patients presented good and very good function of the shoulder joint and 76.9% had good function of the elbow. In subjects with total brachial plexus palsy, good function of the glenohumeral was demonstrated by 51.2%, good function of the elbow by 61% and 53.6% presented with a functionally useful hand. 1. While surgical repair may be indicated in brachial plexus injuries at all levels, it is usually inevitable in total and upper-middle palsies. 2. The surgical outcome depends on the extent of baseline damage to the brachial plexus, with the best prognosis in insolated upper palsies.

Reanimation of elbow extension with intercostal nerves transfers in total brachial plexus palsies

Restoration of flexion in the elbow is the priority in the management of brachial plexus injuries. Current techniques of reconstructions, combining both nerve grafting and nerve transfer, allow more extensive repair, with additional targets: shoulder, elbow extension, hand. The transfer of intercostal nerves onto the nerve of the triceps long head is used to restore elbow extension. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results of this procedure, in total brachial plexus palsies with uninjured C5 and C6 roots. Eleven patients with total brachial plexus injury were reviewed 24 months in average after intercostal nerves transfer. The average age of the patients was twenty-nine years. The average time to surgery after occurrence of the injury was 5 months. Triceps re-innervation and strength of elbow extension were evaluated. The averaged time required for triceps re-innervation after intercostal nerve transfer was 9 months. Seven patients achieved M4 elbow extension according to the Medical Research Council grading system. Two patients achieved M3 elbow extension. Two patients had poor results (M2 and M0). Transfer of intercostal nerves onto the nerve of the triceps long head is a reliable procedure for the restoration of elbow extension in total brachial plexus palsy.

Recovery of brachial plexus injury after shoulder dislocation

Brachial plexus injury is an underestimated complication from anterior dislocation of the shoulder. To our knowledge, there is limited information available about the factors that influence neurological recovery of this injury. We reviewed 15 upper extremities in 14 patients with brachial plexus injuries caused by anterior shoulder dislocation. Two-thirds of the cases had total brachial plexus palsy. With the conservative treatment, the motor recoveries of all cases are full or nearly full within 20 months except intrinsic muscle of the hand. Intrinsic muscle recovery may be better in a younger age group (less than 50 years). Nerve exploration is usually unnecessary. However, reconstructive surgery for the residual neurological deficit can provide improvement of hand function.