Total ipsilateral C7 root neurotization to the upper trunk for isolated C5-C6 avulsion in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy: a preliminary technical report.

BACKGROUND: C5-C6 root avulsion in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is a rare injury with poor prognosis usually associated with breech delivery. The treatment is challenging and requires high microsurgical skills. The triple nerve transfer (spinal accessory nerve, ulnar fascicles, and triceps long or lateral head branch) represents the gold standard treatment. The total ipsilateral C7 nerve root neurotization is a promising technique, which has never been described in OBPP.

OBJECTIVE: The total ipsilateral C7 nerve root is used as a neurotizer transferred to the upper trunk as an alternative method to other intra- or extra-plexual reconstruction techniques.

METHODS: During brachial plexus surgical exploration, an intraoperative neurostimulation was performed to confirm the integrity of C7 and the lesion of C5 and C6. The entire C7 nerve root and the upper trunk are cut. The C7 root was transferred to the upper trunk with a fibrin sealant.

RESULT: This technique was easily performed with a single approach and avoided intercalated nerve grafts. The C7 nerve root provided a large number of nerve fibers with an adequate diameter to be transferred to the upper trunk. We illustrated this technique with a typical case of a child at 8 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION: The total ipsilateral transfer of the C7 root to the upper trunk is a viable alternative procedure for newborns with C5-C6 avulsion.