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Long-term evaluation of hand function in children undergoing Oberlin and Oberlin-like procedures for reinnervation of the biceps muscle

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Abstract

Purpose

Long-term evaluation of hand function in children who underwent transfer procedures to reinnervate the biceps muscle, using fascicles from the ulnar and median nerves as donors.

Methods

In the last follow-up evaluation, the children underwent a neurological examination, and their hand status was classified according to the Raimondi grading system for hand function. Two physical measurements, the child health assessment questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Sollerman hand function test, were applied to assess upper extremity function.

Results

Eight children were re-evaluated. In four the donor fascicle was from the ulnar nerve and in four from the median nerve. The average interval between surgery and the last evaluation was 8.3 years (range 6–10 years). Five patients scored 5 points in the Raimondi grading system, and 3 patients scored 4 points. The results from the CHAQ ranged from 0.03 to 0.41. The results from the Sollerman test were between 60 and 77 for the affected upper limb and between 65 and 79 for the dominant upper limb.

Conclusion

Nerve transfer of a fascicle from the ulnar or median nerve to the biceps motor branch in children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy does not result in hand dysfunction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Peripheral Nerve Surgery Unit, Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Mario G. Siqueira, Carlos Otto Heise, Monise Zacariotto & Roberto S. Martins

  2. Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Carlos Otto Heise

  3. Occupational Therapy, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Mariana Pessa

Authors
  1. Mario G. Siqueira
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  2. Carlos Otto Heise
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  3. Mariana Pessa
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  4. Monise Zacariotto
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  5. Roberto S. Martins
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Correspondence to Mario G. Siqueira.

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This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of the University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Informed consent to participate and to publish the obtained data was provided by the legal guardians of all patients included in the study.

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Siqueira, M.G., Heise, C.O., Pessa, M. et al. Long-term evaluation of hand function in children undergoing Oberlin and Oberlin-like procedures for reinnervation of the biceps muscle. Childs Nerv Syst 36, 3071–3076 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-04634-2

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