Restoration of shoulder abduction function by direct muscular neurotization with the phrenic nerve fascicles and nerve grafts: a case report.
In this report, we describe the first case of using the partial phrenic nerve transfer and direct muscular implantation into the deltoid muscle for restoration of the shoulder function and stability. A patient suffering from the partial brachial plexus injury with absent axillary nerve underwent reconstructive surgery by an end-to-end nerve coaptation using two fascicles of the phrenic nerve and two autologous nerve grafts, and direct implantation of nerve grafts into the deltoid muscle. Eighteen months after the procedure, we found a functioning biceps with 90 degrees elbow flexion against gravity and 40 degrees shoulder abduction with satisfactory shoulder stability. Electrophysiology revealed reinnervation potentials in the deltoid and biceps muscle. This case demonstrates a satisfactory result after using transfer of the partial ipsilateral phrenic nerve in combination with muscular implantation to restore shoulder abduction and stability. We recommend the described techniques in cases without other reconstructive options. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Sinis
Nektarios
N
Department for Hand-, Plastic-, Reconstructive Surgery with Burn Unit, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany. nektarios.sinis@gmail.com
Boettcher
Michael
M
Werdin
Frank
F
Kraus
Armin
A
Schaller
Hans-Eberhard
HE
D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla / Q000294:innervation; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology; D009133:Muscular Atrophy; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D020127:Recovery of Function