The rat brachial plexus and its terminal branches: An experimental model for the study of peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract

Despite the introduction of microsurgical techniques into clinical practice, the results of surgical procedures involving the brachial plexus and peripheral nerves are still far from spectacular. We therefore studied the rat brachial plexus and its terminal branches in 203 rats. Detailed anatomic and morphologic analyses of the biceps brachii and musculocutaneous nerve, finger flexors, flexor carpi radialis, and the median nerve were performed. Various sources of conventional and vascularized nerve grafts were explored. After musculocutaneous nerve section or median nerve section, there were no articular contractures or automutilations, which constitutes an advantage for these experimental models over the sciatic nerve model. The brachial plexus and its terminal branches provide a good experimental model which can be used to assess the development and normal control of muscle function, examine the mechanisms underlying functional recovery, and test the effects of treatments to enhance recovery.

Results of Grafting the Anterior and Posterior Divisions of the Upper Trunk in Complete Palsies of the Brachial Plexus

“…The distribution of axons within the cross-sectional area of the root also changes within a few millimeters. 38 Moreover, because the C5 root has no efferents to triceps muscles, we choose to graft it entirely and preferentially to the anterior division of the upper trunk. This probably contributed to the lower rate of cocontraction we observed in our series.…”

Skilled forelimb reaching in Wistar rats: Evaluation by means of Montoya staircase test

“…The brachial plexus lesion provides a good experimental model to assess the control of muscle function, examine the mechanisms underlying functional recovery, and test the effects of treatments to enhance recovery (Bertelli et al, 2005).…”

Transfer of the Radial Nerve Branch to the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis to the Anterior Interosseous Nerve to Reconstruct Thumb and Finger Flexion

“…23 In a motor branch, more than half of the myelinated fibers are sensory in function. 24 Muscle proprioceptors are the major sensors for joint position and motion, with secondary contributions from skin and joint receptors. 25 Patients with anesthetic fingers have no impairment of position sense.…”