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Neurophysiologic and clinical outcome following medial pectoral to long thoracic nerve transfer for scapular winging: A case report
Author(s) -
Tomaino Matthew M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.10046
Subject(s) - medicine , brachial plexus , reinnervation , axillary nerve , surgery , accessory nerve , brachial plexus injury , scapula , palsy , dissection (medical) , anatomy , alternative medicine , pathology
The use of nerve transfers (neurotization) in the reconstruction of nerve palsy is not new, but its clinical efficacy is still largely based on reports of successful restoration of elbow flexion and shoulder abduction following brachial plexus avulsion. Although its potential application extends beyond the brachial plexus, little has been written about additional indications or associated postoperative outcomes. The case described in this report illustrates yet another indication for which neurotization may be a useful technique. Medial pectoral nerve transfer to the long thoracic nerve was performed via an 11‐cm sural nerve graft to treat scapular winging 4 months following nerve injury caused during axillary node dissection. Neurophysiologic and clinical outcome 18 months postoperatively revealed successful reinnervation of the serratus anterior muscle, decreased scapular winging, and symptomatic improvement from the patient's perspective. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 22:254–257 2002