Nerve grafting or nerve transfer for suprascapular nerve reconstruction in neonatal C5C6 ± C7 brachial plexus palsies.

Abstract

This retrospective study aimed to compare two methods of reconstruction of the suprascapular nerve in neonatal brachial plexus palsy. Patients who underwent suprascapular nerve reconstruction for neonatal C5-C6 (±C7) brachial plexus palsy were included if they had at least 3 years follow-up. The results obtained after nerve surgery alone and at the end of the follow-up (after shoulder release surgery) were analysed. The primary outcome was the range of external rotation with the arm at the side. Thirty-three patients were included (19 nerve transfers, 14 nerve grafting). At last follow-up (mean 10.5 years), there was no significant difference in terms of active external rotation, range of active movement or Active Movement Scale scores for the shoulder. Active external rotation was obtained in 23 of 33 cases, 21 by nerve repair alone and two after additional shoulder release. In the present series, nerve transfer and nerve grafting provided similar results for the suprascapular nerve.Level of evidence: III.