Endoscopic brachial plexus neurolysis in the management of infraclavicular nerve injuries due to glenohumeral dislocation.

INTRODUCTION

Infraclavicular brachial plexus (BP) injury secondary to glenohumeral joint (GHJ) dislocation is a rather common complication, which may be accountable for long-lasting deficits. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential benefits of BP neurolysis in such presentation, using an endoscopic approach.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

All patients who underwent endoscopic BP neurolysis in the setting of infraclavicular BP palsy due to GHJ dislocation were included. Preoperative physical examination was conducted to classify the observed motor and sensitive deficits into nerves and/or cord lesions. Six weeks after the trauma, examination was repeated and endoscopic BP neurolysis was elected if no significant improvements were observed. If nerve ruptures and/or severe damages were identified during surgery, nerve reconstructions were conducted within a month; in other cases, follow-up examinations were conducted at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months to assess the course of postoperative recovery.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included, including 6 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 43 ± 23 years (16;73). Six patients had at least one cord involved, four patients had isolated axillary nerve palsy, and one patient had a complete BP palsy. In 7 patients with cord lesions and/or isolated axillary nerve palsy, at least grade-3 strength, according to the British Medical Research Council grading system, was noted in all affected muscles within 6 weeks following the neurolysis; after 3 months of follow-up, grade-4 strength was observed in all muscles, and all but patients but one had fully recovered within 6 months. In 3 patients with isolated axillary nerve palsy, complete nerve ruptures (n=2) and severe damages (n=1) were identified under scopic magnification; secondary nerve transfers were conducted to reanimate the axillary nerve, and all patients fully recovered within a year. In one patient with complete BP palsy, improvements started after 6 months of follow-up, and full recovery was yielded after 2 years. No intra- and/or postoperative complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

At the cost of minimal additional morbidity, endoscopic BP neurolysis appears to be a safe and reliable procedure to shorten recovery delays in most patients presenting with BP palsy due to GHJ dislocation.