title: Repair of ventral root avulsions of the brachial plexus: a review.
abstract: Traumatic root avulsions of the brachial plexus constitute a devastating lesion resulting in loss of function of the upper limb and carry a large emotional and socioeconomic impact. In this literature survey, the different factors involved in root avulsion are discussed in combination with various surgical techniques for repair of experimental ventral root avulsion. Until now repair of root avulsions did not generate unequivocal proof of recovery of limb function, particularly of the hand. More experimental studies are needed to assess the efficacy of several repair techniques, the optimal timing for surgery, and the complications associated with spinal cord manipulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Carlo A J
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Holtzer
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marani
authors.forename: Egbert A J F
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Lakke
authors.forename: Ralph T W M
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Thomeer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*