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Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical... Aug 2005Brachial plexus injuries are devastating injuries that affect primarily young healthy males. For the total plexus injury, current surgical treatments have failed to... (Review)
Review
Brachial plexus injuries are devastating injuries that affect primarily young healthy males. For the total plexus injury, current surgical treatments have failed to achieve normal restoration of limb function but some practical goals are obtainable. This review article summarizes existing logic and approach for managing these catastrophic injuries.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Nerve Transfer; Recovery of Function; Time Factors
PubMed: 16351575
DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2005.3264 -
Journal of Neuroinflammation Nov 2022Brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA) is frequently caused by high-energy trauma including traffic accident and birth trauma, which will induces massive motoneurons (MNs)...
Brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA) is frequently caused by high-energy trauma including traffic accident and birth trauma, which will induces massive motoneurons (MNs) death as well as loss of motor and sensory function in the upper limb. The death of MNs is attributed to energy deficiency, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress at the injured ventral horn of spinal cord triggered by BPRA injury. It has been reported which aldose reductase (AR), an endogenous enzyme that catalyzes fructose synthesis, positively correlates with the poor prognosis following cerebral ischemic injury, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, the role of AR in BPRA remains unknown. Herein, we used a mouse model and found that in the spinal cord of BPRA mice, the upregulation of AR correlated significantly with (1) an inactivated SIRT1-AMPK-mTOR pathway and disrupted autophagy; (2) increased byproducts accumulation of lipid peroxidation metabolism and neuroinflammation; and (3) increased MNs death. Furthermore, our results demonstrated the role of AR in BPRA injury whereby the absence of AR (AR knockout mice, AR) prevented the hyper-neuroinflammation and disrupted autophagy as well as motor neuron death caused by BPRA injury. Finally, we further demonstrate that AR inhibitor epalrestat is neuroprotective against BPRA injury by increasing autophagy level, alleviating neuroinflammation and rescuing MNs death in mice. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the AR upregulation in the spinal cord is an important factor contributing to autophagy disruption, neuroinflammation and MNs death following brachial plexus roots avulsion in mice. Our study also provides a promising therapy drug to assist re-implantation surgery for the treatment of BPRA.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Aldehyde Reductase; Autophagy; Brachial Plexus; Motor Neurons; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats
PubMed: 36352421
DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02632-6 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2013Brachial plexus injuries, in all their severity and complexity, have been extensively studied. Although brachial plexus injuries are associated with serious and often... (Review)
Review
Brachial plexus injuries, in all their severity and complexity, have been extensively studied. Although brachial plexus injuries are associated with serious and often definitive sequelae, many concepts have changed since the 1950s, when this pathological condition began to be treated more aggressively. Looking back over the last 20 years, it can be seen that the entire approach, from diagnosis to treatment, has changed significantly. Some concepts have become better established, while others have been introduced; thus, it can be said that currently, something can always be offered in terms of functional recovery, regardless of the degree of injury. Advances in microsurgical techniques have enabled improved results after neurolysis and have made it possible to perform neurotization, which has undoubtedly become the greatest differential in treating brachial plexus injuries. Improvements in imaging devices and electrical studies have allowed quick decisions that are reflected in better surgical outcomes. In this review, we intend to show the many developments in brachial plexus surgery that have significantly changed the results and have provided hope to the victims of this serious injury.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Humans; Medical Illustration; Neurosurgical Procedures; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 23644864
DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2013(03)r02 -
Hand (New York, N.Y.) Jan 2023The external rotation and abduction of shoulder are considered one of the priorities of reconstruction in brachial plexus injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate...
BACKGROUND
The external rotation and abduction of shoulder are considered one of the priorities of reconstruction in brachial plexus injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results and complications of shoulder arthrodesis in patients with brachial plexus injury to better comprehend the benefits of this procedure.
METHODS
Between 2015 and 2019, 15 shoulder arthrodesis were performed in patients with long-standing brachial plexus injury. The main indication for arthrodesis was absent or poor recovery of shoulder abduction and external rotation. Patients presented different levels of injury. Shoulder measurements of active abduction and external rotation were made based on image records of the patients. A long 4.5-mm reconstruction plate was fit along the scapular spine, acromion, and lateral proximal third of the humerus. Structured bone graft was fit into the subacromial space.
RESULTS
The mean preoperative abduction was 16°, and the mean postoperative abduction was 42°. The mean preoperative external rotation was -59°, and the mean postoperative external rotation was -13°. The mean increase in abduction and external rotation was 25° and 45°, respectively. Bone union was achieved in all cases at an average time of 5.23 months. We experienced humeral fractures in 26.66% of the cases, which were all successfully treated nonoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
Shoulder arthrodesis is a rewarding procedure for patients with brachial plexus injuries. A marked improvement in the upper limb positioning was observed in all patients. It should be considered as the main therapeutic option in cases where nerve reconstruction is no longer possible.
Topics: Humans; Shoulder; Shoulder Joint; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Arthrodesis
PubMed: 33880953
DOI: 10.1177/1558944721998008 -
Medical Ultrasonography Sep 2014The axillary brachial plexus block is the most widely performed upper limb block. It is relatively simple to perform and one of the safest approaches to brachial plexus... (Review)
Review
The axillary brachial plexus block is the most widely performed upper limb block. It is relatively simple to perform and one of the safest approaches to brachial plexus block. With the advent of ultrasound technology, there is a marked improvement in the success rate of the axillary block. This review will focus on the technique of ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block.
Topics: Axilla; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Block; Humans; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 25110766
DOI: 10.11152/mu.2013.2066.163.2kks -
Journal of Anatomy May 2020In classic anatomy teaching, the brachial plexus generally features as an enigmatic rote-learned structure, leaving the student with a feeling of complexity. The notion...
In classic anatomy teaching, the brachial plexus generally features as an enigmatic rote-learned structure, leaving the student with a feeling of complexity. The notion of complexity may increase in dissections, where plexuses significantly differing from the standard plexus model are readily found. This raises questions: what determines the existence and prevalence of variants and to what degree should they be considered anomalous? A model linking brachial plexus morphology and its variability to causative morphological parameters which would also standardize plexus description and teaching would be beneficial. The present study aims to provide such a model by analyzing the context of plexus development and applying this model in the analysis of plexus variability in anatomical specimens. Based on a thorough literature review, a generic developmental model was formulated and different factors of variability defined. In 56 plexuses, the proposed generic principles of plexus variability were found consistent with the variations encountered. Summarized, the modeled generic principles are as follows. Brachial plexus axon bundles grow out into an environment of chemical tracer paths in which constraints and obstacles are present: the geometry of the arm bud, cartilaginous bone precursors and vessels. The overall constancy of these factors generates a gross plexus outline, while the variability in these factors gives rise to typical plexus variations. The usefulness of the model derives from the fact that the variability of the main morphologically determining factors is not random but is the expression of the possibilities of the embryological substrate. Within the model, the major plexus morphological determinant is the segmental position of the subclavian artery, which is determined by the segment level of the intersegmental artery from which it develops. Normally, the subclavian artery develops from intersegmental artery i7. However, the subclavian artery can develop from inferior or superior segmental levels, from intersegmental artery i8 or i6, and possibly also from i9 or i5. Each of these arterial variants creates a typical, morphologically distinct, predictable plexus configuration. Superimposed on these basic plexus configurations, the underlying embryological substrate may develop further variability by integrating remnants of other intersegmental arteries into the arterial network. The resulting plexus configurations are further modified by local factors, e.g. the splitting of outgrowing axon bundles around vessels. A large split in the lateral cord around a large vein or veins crossing from lateral to medial, tangentially cranially over the subclavian artery was found in 54% of the 56 investigated BP and therefore might be added to plexus teaching. The distinct plexus morphologies associated with the subclavian artery segmental levels were further found associated with, among others, typical variations in the pectoral nerves and their ansas; these associations were also modeled. The presented models could allow brachial plexus rote learning to be replaced by a more insightful narrative of formative principles suitable for teaching. Clinically, improved understanding of the relationship between plexus variability and the local anatomical environment should be relevant to brachial plexus surgery and reconstruction.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Dissection; Humans; Models, Anatomic; Subclavian Artery
PubMed: 31814126
DOI: 10.1111/joa.13123 -
Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi Oct 2021
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Disabled Persons; Humans
PubMed: 35191251
DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2020.200323 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... Jul 2023In recent years, ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCB) has gained attention as a novel approach for brachial plexus nerve block. Human anatomy... (Review)
Review
In recent years, ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCB) has gained attention as a novel approach for brachial plexus nerve block. Human anatomy studies have identified the costoclavicular space as the area between the midpoint of the clavicle and the first rib. This space accommodates the brachial plexus, axillary arteries, and veins. Its superficial and fixed position makes it a promising option for infraclavicular brachial plexus blockage, providing a safe and reliable analgesic effect. CCB combines the benefits of real-time ultrasound visualization of the nerve block needle, avoidance of peripheral blood vessels, and targeted delivery of local anesthetics to the nerve. Consequently, it significantly reduces the associated complications of other classical approaches such as interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB), supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCB), lateral sagittal infraclavicular brachial plexus block (LS-ICB), and axillary brachial plexus block. These complications include phrenic paralysis, incomplete brachial plexus block, and pneumothorax. This narrative review examines the literature on brachial plexus block in the costoclavicular space, discussing the anatomical position, the procedure, clinical indications, choice of local anesthetic concentration and volume, and continuous nerve block of CCB. The aim is to provide a basis for future clinical practice and enhanced safety.
Topics: Humans; Brachial Plexus Block; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Anesthetics, Local; Ultrasonography; Brachial Plexus
PubMed: 37448107
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.939920 -
Medicine Oct 2023Intraoperative positioning-related nerve injuries, particularly those affecting the brachial plexus, are concerning complications believed to arise from stretching...
Intraoperative positioning-related nerve injuries, particularly those affecting the brachial plexus, are concerning complications believed to arise from stretching and/or compression of peripheral nerves. Although sonoelastography, a new ultrasound technology, is emerging as a valuable tool in the musculoskeletal system, its utility in evaluating peripheral nerves remains unclear. This study aimed to utilize sonoelastography to assess the brachial plexus during surgery, specifically investigating changes in its stiffness values in relation to different head and arm positions. In this prospective cohort study, bilateral brachial plexuses of 8 volunteers in 3 different positions were enrolled. Using a high-frequency linear probe, the stiffness of the brachial plexus was quantitatively measured in kilopascals (kPa) under 3 different positions: neutral, head rotated, and head rotated with arm hyperabducted. Intra-class agreement was evaluated. The stiffness of the brachial plexus was 7.39 kPa in the neutral position (NP), 10.28 kPa with head rotation, and 17.24 kPa when the head was turned, and the ipsilateral arm was hyperabducted. Significant increases were observed in stiffness values when the head was turned, whether ipsilaterally or contralaterally, and during hyperabduction of the arm while the head was turned (for all P < .001). Strong intra-class correlations were found for the measurements of stiffness values (ICC = 0.988-0.989; P < .001; Cronbach Alpha = 0.987-0.989). Sonoelastography revealed significant increases in the stiffness of the brachial plexus with various head rotations and arm positions compared to the neutral state. These findings suggest that sonoelastography could potentially serve as a valuable tool for assessing the risk of brachial plexus injury during surgery and for guiding optimal patient positioning. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to establish definitive clinical applications.
Topics: Humans; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Arm; Prospective Studies; Brachial Plexus; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 37832128
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035559 -
Korean Journal of Radiology 2017The neck has intricately connected neural structures, including cervical and brachial plexi, the sympathetic system, lower cranial nerves, and their branches. Except for... (Review)
Review
The neck has intricately connected neural structures, including cervical and brachial plexi, the sympathetic system, lower cranial nerves, and their branches. Except for brachial plexus, there has been little research regarding the normal imaging appearance or corresponding pathologies of neural structures in the neck. The development in imaging techniques with better spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio has made it possible to see many tiny nerves to predict complications related to image-guided procedures and to better assess treatment response, especially in the management of oncology patients. The purposes of this review is to present imaging-based anatomy of major nerves in the neck and explain their relevant clinical significance according to representative pathologies of regarded nerves in the neck.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Cervical Plexus; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neck; Signal-To-Noise Ratio; Vagus Nerve
PubMed: 28096728
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2017.18.1.180