AUTOLOGOUS TRANSPLANTATION AND NEUROLYSIS OF THE BRACHIAL-PLEXUS FOLLOWING TRAUMA

Autologous transplantation in brachial plexus injuries has become sign ificantly more efficacious through increased knowledge of the microtop ographic anatomy of the fascicle structures and the refinement of micr o-neurosurgical techniques. Recovery of shoulder and upper arm functio ns can be achieved with autologous transplantation in the majority of patients under optimized conditions. However, attempts to restore fore arm, hand and finger functions in this way have been disappointing so far. Therapeutic success is primarily governed by early decision makin g, selection of adequate surgical strategies and intensive and longlas ting postoperative management.