Neurotization of Musculocutaneous Nerve with Intercostal Nerves Assisted with Videothoracoscopy. Clinical Case of a Patient with Brachial Plexus Palsy

Abstract

In total brachial plexus preganglionic lesions (C5 for T1), different extraplexual neurotizations are indicated for partial motor function restitution specially for the elbow flexion. Neurotization with intercostal nerves (ICN) [Spanish Acronym] to musculocutaneous nerve has been known and accepted during many years with different results. The customary technique as described by various authors is carried out by means of a large submammary incision to harvest three or four intercostal nerves. Then are anatomosed by direct suture or grafts to the musculocutaneous nerve or its motor branches. Based on a previous study by the author on the possibility of performing the dissection of the intercostal nerves by videothoracoscopy, we present a clinical case of a 29-year-old patient with a complete brachial plexus injury in which we performed this technique and its results at 2 years.