The intercostobrachial nerve as a sensory donor for hand reinnervation in brachial plexus reconstruction is a feasible technique and may be useful for restoring sensation

Luciano Foroni; Mário Gilberto Siqueira; Roberto Sérgio Martins; Gabriela Pintar Oliveira

doi:10.1590/0004-282X20170073

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, Table of Contents

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2017; 75(07): 439-445
DOI: 10.1590/0004-282X20170073

ARTICLES

The intercostobrachial nerve as a sensory donor for hand reinnervation in brachial plexus reconstruction is a feasible technique and may be useful for restoring sensation

O uso do nervo intercostobraquial como doador na restauração cirúrgica da sensibilidade da mão em lesões do plexo braquial é uma técnica anatomicamente viável e pode ser útil para a recuperação sensitiva

Authors

Luciano Foroni

¹Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Divisão de Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brasil;
Mário Gilberto Siqueira

¹Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Divisão de Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brasil;
Roberto Sérgio Martins

¹Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Divisão de Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brasil;
Gabriela Pintar Oliveira

²Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo SP, Brasil.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective

Few donors are available for restoration of sensibility in patients with complete brachial plexus injuries. The objective of our study was to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of using the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) as an axon donor to the lateral cord contribution to the median nerve (LCMN).

Methods

Thirty cadavers were dissected. Data of the ICBN and the LCMN were collected, including diameters, branches and distances.

Results

The diameters of the ICBN and the LCMN at their point of coaptation were 2.7mm and 3.7mm, respectively. The ICBN originated as a single trunk in 93.3% of the specimens and bifurcated in 73.3%. The distance between the ICBN origin and its point of coaptation to the LCMN was 54mm. All ICBNs had enough extension to reach the LCMN.

Conclusion

Transfer of the ICBN to the LCMN is anatomically feasible and may be useful for restoring sensation in patients with complete brachial plexus injuries.

RESUMO

Objetivo

Poucos doadores estão disponíveis para a restauração da sensibilidade em pacientes com lesões completas do plexo braquial (LCPB). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade anatçmica do uso do nervo intercostobraquial (NICB) como doador de axçnios para a contribuição do cordão lateral para o nervo mediano (CLNM).

Métodos

Trinta cadáveres foram dissecados. Os dados do NICB e do CLNM foram coletados: diâmetros, ramos e distâncias.

Resultados

Os diâmetros do NICB e da CLNM no ponto de coaptação foram 2,7mm e 3,7mm, respectivamente. O NICB originou-se como um único tronco em 93,3% dos espécimes e bifurcou-se em 73,3%. A distância entre a origem do NICB e seu ponto de coaptação com a CLNM foi de 54mm. Todos os NICBs tiveram extensão suficiente para alcançar a CLNM.

Conclusão

A transferência do NICB para a CLNM é anatomicamente viável e pode ser útil para restaurar a sensibilidade em pacientes com LCPB.

brachial plexus - intercostal nerves - median nerve - nerve transfer - sensation

plexo braquial - nervos intercostais - nervo mediano - transferência de nervo - sensação

Full Text

References

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