The effectiveness of endoscopic brachial plexus neurolysis in the treatment of brachial plexus palsy in adults

Introduction The method of endoscopic revision, neurolysis and decompression of the brachial plexus is a current minimally invasive method of treatment. It is able to completely preserve the anatomical structures (skin, fascia, muscles, clavicle, arteries, veins, nerves) and minimize damage to the structures of the brachial plexus, since neurolysis is carried out along the trunks and bundles of the plexus through a low-invasive transaxillary approach. However, the effectiveness of this type of operation has not been studied previously. The aim of the study To evaluate the effectiveness of brachial plexus neurolysis under video endoscopic assistance in the treatment of brachioplexopathies in adults Materials and methods The study involved patients hospitalized in the Tyumen Federal Center for the period from 2017 to 2022 with a diagnosis of brachial plexus palsy, who, for medical reasons, underwent neurolysis of the brachial plexus under video endoscopic assistance. The number of patients gave informed concent was 25 subjects. The results of treatment were assessed with score systems and questionnaires; neurological examination was performed and muscle strength was assessed according to the British scale (M5-M0), the type of sensory disorders and their degree on a scale from 0 to 10, where 10 is the complete preservation of sensitivity, and 0 is its complete absence and were confirmed by the data of functional diagnostics (stimulation ENMG) 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Office 365) and Stattech 2.0 software package. For quantitative traits, the arithmetic mean (M) and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated. To assess the statistical significance of the results obtained, the parametric t-Student's test was used. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 15 years, gender ratio (m/f) was 18/7, the affected side (right/left) ratio was 12/13. A positive result was achieved in 75 % of cases (n = 19), the absence of positive dynamics was noted in 25 % of cases (n = 6); there were no cases of poor results. When comparing the indicators in groups with a positive result and its absence, it was revealed that the degree of limb dysfunction and the degree of paresis affect the treatment outcome (p < 0.05). In all patients with a positive result, a positive trend was observed starting from 5.89 ± 0.93 (range 1-15) weeks after surgery. Conclusion The proposed method of neurolysis of the brachial plexus is an effective method for the treatment of patients with brachial plexus palsy of various etiologies. The main factor influencing the outcome of reatment is limb dysfunction, the severity of which is inversely proportional to the function recovery in the postoperative period. Based on the results obtained, neurolysis was not effective in paresis of the affected muscles scoring 0-1 points. If there is no positive effect from the intervention within 3 months after its implementation, further waiting tactics is not advisable. Other treatment options should be considered.