Sex Differences in Recovery of Brachial Plexus Injuries: Anatomical and Physiological Basis and Clinical Study
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Abstract
Materials and Methods: Observational, retrospective case series. Thirty-nine patients with BPI who underwent musculocutaneous nerve neurotization were included.
Results: In males, the mean BMRC score was 4; the functional reinnervation rate (BMRC ≥3) was 89%, and the surgical failure rate (BMRC <3) was 11%. In females, the mean BMRC score was 3.5; functional reinnervation was achieved in 67%, with a surgical failure rate of 33%, and there was a greater tendency to failure with increasing patient age. Differences in strength achieved by subgroup according to the BMRC scale were statistically significant (p = 0.05).
Conclusions: Men show a greater capacity for motor recovery than women after musculocutaneous nerve neurotization. Additionally, the risk of surgical failure increases with age in females. These findings may be explained by sex-related differences in peripheral nerve anatomy and physiology and by testosterone-related mechanisms acting on the nervous system and muscle.
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