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Functional outcome of spinal accessory nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve to restore shoulder function: Results in upper and complete traumatic brachial plexus palsy in adults

Background: Shoulder stability, abduction and external rotation are vital for the performance of usual daily tasks. Aims: To compare the functional outcomes in the shoulder following spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer (SASNT). Patients and Methods: Comparison of the outcome of adult patients with upper traumatic brachial plexus palsy undergoing SASNT with patients with complete palsy submitted to the same procedure. Statistical Analysis: Ranges of motion were compared via the Mann-Whitney U test. The percentages of patients with a favorable outcome were compared by the chi-square test. All tests were two-tailed and P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: SASNT was performed in 76 patients: 23 cases (30.2%) of upper-plexus injuries and 53 cases (69.7%) of complete brachial plexus palsy. Good shoulder abduction was achieved in 15 patients (65.2%) with upper plexus palsy and a good external rotation in 5 (21.7%). In those patients with a good recovery, the average range of motion (ROM) was 53° for shoulder abduction and 71.2° for external rotation. Thirty-six patients (67.9%) with complete palsy had a good shoulder abduction recovery with 30.7° of average ROM, but only 3 patients (5.6%) recovered a good shoulder external rotation with 68.3° of average ROM. There was no statistical difference for the abduction outcome, but the external rotation outcome was superior in the upper plexus palsy group. Conclusion: SASNT is a consistent procedure to achieve functional recovery of shoulder abduction after a partial or complete plexus injury, but the outcomes of external rotation were quite disappointing in both the groups.