Brachial plexus exposure in 19 post-traumatic patients: A morphometric anatomic analysis.

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brachial plexus injuries result in severe functional impairment, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical interventions in 19 patients with brachial plexus injuries, emphasizing the effectiveness of linear incision techniques. Our surgical objectives included restoring shoulder control, elbow flexion, and elbow extension, alongside optimizing sensory recovery.

Methods: We performed morphometric analyses to standardize surgical approaches, utilizing topographic linear incisions for enhanced exposure and precision. This technique ensures critical advantages: short incisions with excellent nerve visualization, identification of consistent anatomical landmarks for safe dissection even amidst scar tissue, and facilitation of multiple neurotizations through single incisions. This approach is inspired by and builds on the principles outlined by Bertelli and Ghizoni, whose work highlighted the importance of precise anatomical dissection and efficient nerve exposure.

Results: We collected all morphometric measurements to standardize surgical approaches. Key findings demonstrated that linear incisions improved surgical efficiency and facilitated tension-free nerve anastomoses without the need for grafts in most cases.

Conclusion: Linear incision techniques, supported by the foundational principles established by Bertelli and Ghizoni, provide significant clinical benefits in brachial plexus surgery. This approach enhances both surgical precision and patient recovery while supporting the achievement of critical neurofunctional objectives.