Obstetric brachial plexus palsy: A large animal model for traction injury and its repair Part 1: Age of the recipient

A Sunderland type IV traction injury to the C6 root of the sheep or lamb br achial plexus was used as a model for obstetric traction injury to the C5 r oot in humans. The injury,vas created and immediately repaired using interf ascicular nerve autografts in a group of adult sheep and a group of newborn lambs. The animals were examined using electrophysiological and morphometr ic techniques 1 year after operation, It was found that the recovery of neu romuscular function,uas superior in the lambs. The implication is that nerv es in newborn animals have a better potential for regeneration than that se en in older individuals. This is discussed with reference to the management of obstetric brachial plexus palsy.