Successful Nerve Transfers for Traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy in a Septuagenarian

Abstract

Background: Conventional wisdom and the available literature demonstrate compromised outcomes following nerve reconstruction for traumatic brachial plexus palsy in the elderly. We present a 74-year-old male who was reconstructed with multiple nerve transfers for brachial plexus palsy after a ski accident. Methods: Triceps to axillary nerve transfer, spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer, and ulnar to musculocutaneous nerve transfer were performed 16 weeks post injury. Results: At 11 years post-op, the patient could abduct to 65° and forward flex at M4 strength, limited only by painful glenohumeral arthritis. Elbow flexion was M5-at both the biceps and brachialis, and bulk and tone were nearly symmetrical with the opposite side. Eleven-year electrodiagnostic studies demonstrated reinnervation and improved motor unit recruitment all affected muscles. Conclusion: This case questions the widely held dogma that older patients who undergo brachial plexus reconstruction do poorly. Given the short reinnervation distance and optimal donor nerve health, nerve transfers may be an excellent option for healthy older patients with traumatic brachial plexus palsy.

Nerve Transfers for Brachial Plexus Reconstruction in Patients over 60 Years

“…At the final follow-up, shoulder abduction measured 65 • with M4 muscle strength though limited by arthritis of the glenohumeral joint. Biceps and brachialis muscle strength for elbow flexion were both M5, and good muscle reinnervation characterized by motor unit recruitment of the previously paralyzed muscles was proven by electro-diagnostics [21].…”