Cervical nerve root transfer from contralateral normal side for treatment of brachial plexus root avulsions

Abstract

The authors had designed cervical root nerve transfer from the contralateral normal side for the treatment of brachial plexus root avulsions in August 1986. Since then, the operation was performed in 50 cases. Follow-up studies showed that resection of C-7 root from the healthy side produced no long-term ill effect except numbness and pain of the fingers and weakness of gripping strength shortly after the procedure. In 10 recipient nerves of 9 cases with follow-ups of more than 2 years, satisfactory results were seen in 7. This is a new approach for the treatment of persistent cases of brachial plexus avulsion.