Invited Review ArticleNo Access

Considerations in the Selection of Donor Nerves for Nerve Transfer for Reanimation of Elbow and Shoulder in Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, US

Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

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Praveen BHARDWAJ

Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

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Hari VENKATRAMANI

Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

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, and

S. Raja SABAPATHY

Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

E-mail Address: rajahand@gmail.com

Correspondence to: S. Raja Sabapathy Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. 313, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore 641043, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel: +91 422-248-5000 Fax: +91 422-243-6444.

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https://doi.org/10.1142/S242483552230002XCited by:6 (Source: Crossref)

Abstract

The advent of nerve transfers has revolutionised the treatment of brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries of the upper extremity. Nerve transfers offer faster reinnervation of a denervated muscle by taking advantage of a donor nerve, branch or fascicle close to the recipient muscle. A number of considerations in respect of donor selection for nerve transfers underlie their success. In this review article, we discuss the principles of donor selection for nerve transfers, the different options available and our considerations in choosing a suitable transfer in reanimating the elbow and the shoulder. We feel this will help nerve surgeons navigate the controversies in the selection of donor nerves and make appropriate treatment decisions for their patients.

Level of Evidence: V (Therapeutic)

Keywords:

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