Total paralysis of the brachial plexus. Value of the preservation of the limb and the restoration of active flexion of the elbow
Allieu, Y.; Triki, F.; de Godebout, J.
Revue de Chirurgie Orthopedique et Reparatrice de l'Appareil Moteur 73(8): 665-673
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-1040 PMID: 3444946 Document Number: 295688
Twenty-six cases of complete brachial plexus paralysis treated surgically have been studied with particular regard to the function of the preserved limb after at least four years. A partial reinnervation was attempted in 27 cases including six neurotisations in the absence of a useful nerve stump. Out of these 28 patients, 14 remained completely paralysed and 14 recovered active elbow flexion equal to or greater than grade 3. Examination of these young injured patients showed that: 1. The preservation of the limb was always preferable to amputation which was only requested by one patient. 2. Active flexion of the elbow greatly improved the functional result by allowing certain types of holding and gripping activity and the ability to put the paralysed and insensitive hand into the pocket or supported on a surface. It also limits downward dislocation of the shoulder which is often painful.