Accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy: preliminary results in 10 cases

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Sebastian Emiliano Valbuena

Abstract

BackgroundTo evaluate the preliminary results of spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer in obstetric brachial plexus palsy.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2012, 16 transfers of spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve were performed in obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Ten patients with a minimum follow-up of 18 months were included. Values of muscle power were assessed according to the Gilbert scale, and functional scales of the shoulder (Mallet and Gilbert) were used. Preoperative and postoperative values, and the differences between partial and total paralysis results were compared. Student test was used for the statistical analysis.ResultsThe average follow-up was 20.9 months. Preoperative shoulder abduction power was 0.48 M, preoperative external rotation power was 0 M, and those values at the end of the follow-up were 2.70 M and 2.4 M, respectively. All patients had type 1 patterns of the Gilbert and Mallet scales, with mean postoperative values of 3.2 and 3.5, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between these values.ConclusionsLimitations of this preliminary report are the short follow-up and the low number of cases. However, the functional results obtained are consistent with those from other reports, and they support the use of the spinal accessory neve to suprascapular nerve transfer in brachial plexus reconstructions requiring an extra-plexual contribution.

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How to Cite
Valbuena, S. E. (2015). Accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy: preliminary results in 10 cases. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 80(2), 113-120. https://doi.org/10.15417/295
Section
Clinical Research
Author Biography

Sebastian Emiliano Valbuena, Sector Miembro Superior y Microcirugía. Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología. Hospital El Cruce. Alta complejidad en red. Dr. Néstor Carlos Kirshner. Calchaqui 5401. Florencio Varela. Buenos Aires. Clínica del Deporte. Calle 40 N° 482. La Plata. Buenos Aires.

Sector Miembro Superior y Microcirugia. Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatologia.

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