Restoring musculocutaneous nerve function in 146 brachial plexus operations – A retrospective analysis

A brachial plexus lesion is a devastating injury often affecting young, male adults after traffic accidents. Therefore, surgical restoration of elbow flexion is critical for establishing antigravity movement of the upper extremity. We analyzed different methods for musculocutaneous reconstruction regarding outcome. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 146 brachial plexus surgeries with musculocutaneous reconstruction performed at our department from 2013 to 2017. Demographic data, surgical method, donor and graft nerve characteristics, body mass index (BMI) as well as functional outcome of biceps muscle based on medical research council (MRC) strength grades before and after surgery were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed using SPSS. Oberlin reconstruction was the procedure performed most often (34.2%, n = 50). Nerve transfer and autologous repair showed no significant differences regarding outcome (p = 0.599, OR 0.644 CI95% 0.126–3.307). In case of nerve transfers, we found no significant difference whether reconstruction was performed with or without a nerve graft (e.g. sural nerve) (p = 0.277, OR 0.619 CI95% 0.261–1.469). Multivariate analysis identifies patient age as a strong predictor for outcome, univariate analysis indicates that nerve graft length > 15 cm and BMI of > 25 could lead to inferior outcome. When patients with early recovery (n = 19) are included into final evaluation after 24 months, the general success rate of reconstructions is 62,7% (52/83). Reconstruction of musculocutaneous nerve after brachial plexus injury results in a high rate of clinical improvement. Nerve transfer and autologous reconstruction both show similar results. Young age was confirmed as an independent predictor for better clinical outcome. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to further clarify. •Relevant clinical improvement of biceps strength (medical research council MRC grades > 3/5) could be achieved in 62,7% of cases.•Nerve transfer and autologous repair showed no significant differences regarding outcome (p = 0.599, OR 0.644 CI95% 0.126–3.307).•For nerve transfers, we found no significant difference whether reconstruction was performed with or without a nerve graft (e.g. sural nerve) (p = 0.277, OR 0.619 CI95% 0.261–1.469).•Nerve graft length of > 15 cm and body mass index (BMI) of > 25 might lead to inferior outcome.