ObjectiveThe effect of end-to-side neurotization of partially regenerated recipient nerves on improving motor power in late obstetric brachial plexus lesions, so-called nerve augmentation, was investigated.MethodsEight cases aged 3 – 7 years were operated upon and followed up for 4 years (C5,6 rupture C7,8T1 avulsion: 5; C5,6,7,8 rupture T1 avulsion:1; C5,6,8T1 rupture C7 avulsion:1; C5,6,7 ruptureC8 T1 compression: one 3 year presentation after former neurotization at 3 months). Grade 1–3 muscles were neurotized. Grade0 muscles were neurotized, if the electromyogram showed scattered motor unit action potentials on voluntary contraction without interference pattern. Donor nerves included: the phrenic, accessory, descending and ascending loops of the ansa cervicalis, 3rd and 4th intercostals and contralateral C7.ResultsSuperior proximal to distal regeneration was observed firstly. Differential regeneration of muscles supplied by the same nerve was observed secondly (superior supraspinatus to infraspinatus regeneration). Differential regeneration of antagonistic muscles was observed thirdly (superior biceps to triceps and pronator teres to supinator recovery). Differential regeneration of fibres within the same muscle was observed fourthly (superior anterior and middle to posterior deltoid regeneration). Differential regeneration of muscles having different preoperative motor powers was noted fifthly; improvement to Grade 3 or more occurred more in Grade2 than in Grade0 or Grade1 muscles. Improvements of cocontractions and of shoulder, forearm and wrist deformities were noted sixthly. The shoulder, elbow and hand scores improved in 4 cases.LimitationsThe sample size is small. Controls are necessary to rule out any natural improvement of the lesion. There is intra- and interobserver variability in testing muscle power and cocontractions.ConclusionNerve augmentation improves cocontractions and muscle power in the biceps, pectoral muscles, supraspinatus, anterior and lateral deltoids, triceps and in Grade2 or more forearm muscles. As it is less expected to improve infraspinatus power, it should be associated with a humeral derotation osteotomy and tendon transfer. Function to non improving Grade 0 or 1 forearm muscles should be restored by muscle transplantation.Level of evidenceLevel IV, prospective case series.
Background: Long-standing infected nonunion and gap nonunion tibial fractures are difficult to treat and pose a challenging problem to orthopaedic surgeons. They may lead to residual deformity, persistent infection, knee or ankle contracture, and, at worst, can result in a painful and useless limb requiring amputation. Methods: This prospective study involved 30 patients (27 males and three females) with infected tibial nonunions treated by Ilizarov external fixation with acute shortening and distraction. The mean age was 40 yr with an average bone defect of 3.85 cm (range 2.5 cm to 6 cm). The duration of nonunion before treatment ranged from 6 to 48 mo with an average of 14 mo. The average number of prior surgeries was 1.5 (range 1 to 4). Eleven (36.66%) of the 30 patients had overlying soft-tissue compromise. The causative bacteria were identified and treated with the appropriate antibiotic for at least 6 wk (range 6 to 12 wk). Results: Most infected nonunited fractures in this series (86.66%) occurred in the productive age (four in the 3rd, eight in the 4th, nine in the 5th, and 5 in the 6th decades of life) indicating the socioeconomic impact of this severe injury. The time to consolidation ranged from 3.5 mo to 9 mo, with an average of 6 mo. All fractures united except one (3.33%), with 19 (63.27%) and eight (26.64%) patients having an excellent and good result and two (6.66%) patients having a fair result when applying the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) classification. Functional results per ASAMI were 12 (39.96%), and 14 (46.62%) patients had excellent and good results. Twenty-seven (89.91%) had bony consolidation with complete remission of infection. The most common isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (10 patients) and Staphylococcus epidermis (four patients). The most common complication was pin track infection which occurred in all patients. All were uneventfully treated with proper wire/pin care and the appropriate antibiotics. Conclusions: Ilizarov fixation with acute shortening distraction technique is a safe and reliable method for treatment of infected tibial nonunion, however, with the potentially devastating complication of vascular injury during acute compression. The amount of acute shortening is done on an individualized basis as we could not identify safe limits for acute shortening. This technique deals with soft-tissue defects that may require treatment and precludes the need for complex microvascular procedures and secondary bone grafting at the fracture site.
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