Phrenic Nerve Transfer in the Repair of Brachial Plexus Injuries:An Animal Model
Resource
CHINESE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY v.40 n.1 pp.51-55
Journal
Chinese Journal of Physiology
Journal Volume
v.40
Journal Issue
n.1
Pages
51-55
Date Issued
1997
Date
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
Ten young mongrel dogs underwent unilateral denervation of the brachial plexus. In six dogs,a 2-cm segment of phrenic nerve autograft was sutured to either the resected musculocutaneous nerve or the radial nerve. A hemoclip was applied to either musculocutaneous or radial nerve in the contral groups. Five months postoperatively,the grafted musculocutaneous nerve demonstrated less fibrous tissue and less muscle atrophy of the biceps when compared to the control group with clipped nerve. In the group with the grafted radial nerve,the electromyographic findings of multiphasic action potential and muscle contraction from electric stimulation suggested reinnervation of the radial nerve. In conclusion: phrenic nerve transfer may be used to repair specific damages to nerve trunk with histological , electromyographic and clinical recovery.