In two patients suffering brachial plexus injury, we transferred the accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve for restoration of the shoulder function. This paper discusses the treatment and reports the results.
Case 1 was a 21 year-old male who was injured in a traffic accident, and underwent operation about six months later. In another operation about eight months later, abduction of the shoulder was achieved Case 2 was a 22 year-old male also injured in a traffic accident and underwent operation about three months later. In another operation about eight months later, abduction of the shoulder was also achieved as in case 1.
Although differences in the recovery of muscular power and ROM were seen between the two patients, there was no instability of the shoulder. We conclude that this operation is useful for the restoration of shoulder function in brachial plexus injury.
