Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2025; 20(01): e27-e30
DOI: 10.1055/a-2572-2601
Short Communication

Intraoperative Assessment of Nerve Traction Injury in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

J. Bahm
1   Division of Plexus Surgery, Department for Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery - Burn Center, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, NRW, Germany
,
B. Schäfer
1   Division of Plexus Surgery, Department for Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery - Burn Center, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, NRW, Germany
,
K. Nolte
2   Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
,
J. Weis
2   Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
,
J.P. Beier
1   Division of Plexus Surgery, Department for Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery - Burn Center, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, NRW, Germany
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

We present an easy classification for nerve lesions observed in reconstructive surgery for obstetric brachial plexus palsy, performed through a supraclavicular approach and systematic exposure of nerve roots and trunks. A description of signs related to nerve traction injury (scarring, fascicular rupture, and dislocated ganglions) is combined with a grading system of microscopic tissue changes occurring in slices from traumatized nerve endings (fascicular structure, changes in perineurium and endoneurium). Both tools are proposed for any surgical brachial plexus exploration and later interaction with other professionals (pediatricians, physiotherapists, or obstetricians).



Publication History

Received: 30 April 2024

Accepted: 02 April 2025

Article published online:
02 May 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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