Good sensory recovery of the hand in brachial plexus surgery using the intercostobrachial nerve as the donor

ABSTRACT Objective: Restoration of the sensitivity to sensory stimuli in complete brachial plexus injury is very important. The objective of our study was to evaluate sensory recovery in brachial plexus surgery using the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) as the donor. Methods: Eleven patients underwent sensory reconstruction using the ICBN as a donor to the lateral cord contribution to the median nerve, with a mean follow-up period of 41 months. A protocol evaluation was performed. Results: Four patients perceived the 1-green filament. The 2-blue, 3-purple and 4-red filaments were perceptible in one, two and three patients, respectively. According to Highet's scale, sensation recovered to S3 in two patients, to S2+ in two patients, to S2 in six patients, and S0 in one patient. Conclusion: The procedure using the ICBN as a sensory donor restores good intensity of sensation and shows good results in location of perception in patients with complete brachial plexus avulsion.

摘要
目的：完全性臂丛损伤患者恢复对感觉刺激的敏感性具有重要临床价值。本研究旨在评估以肋间臂神经（intercostobrachial nerve, ICBN）为供体的臂丛手术中的感觉恢复效果。
方法：11例患者接受以ICBN为供体、重建支配正中神经外侧束分支的感觉功能手术，平均随访时长为41个月，并采用标准化方案进行疗效评估。
结果：4例患者可感知1号绿丝；1例、2例、3例患者可分别感知2号蓝丝、3号紫丝与4号红丝。根据Highet分级量表，2例患者感觉恢复至S3级，2例恢复至S2+级，6例恢复至S2级，1例仍为S0级。
结论：以ICBN作为感觉供体的手术方案，可使完全性臂丛撕脱伤患者获得良好的感觉强度恢复，且感知定位效果优异。