ABSTRACT Radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy (RIBPN) is a rare and delayed non-traumatic injury to the brachial plexus, which occurs following radiation therapy to the chest wall, neck, and/or axilla in previously treated patients with cancer. The incidence of RIBPN is more common in patients treated for carcinoma of the breast and Hodgkin lymphoma. With the improvement in radiation techniques, the incidence of injury to the brachial plexus following radiotherapy has dramatically reduced. The currently reported incidence is 1.2% in women irradiated for breast cancer. The progression of symptoms is gradual in about two-thirds of cases; the patients may initially present with paresthesia followed by pain, and later progress to motor weakness in the affected limb. We present the case of a 68-year-old female patient with breast cancer submitted to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in the year 2000. Eighteen years later, she developed symptoms and signs compatible with RIBPN and was successfully submitted to omentoplasty for pain control. Omentoplasty is an alternative treatment for RIBPN refractory to conservative treatment, which seems to be effective in improving neuropathic pain. However, postoperative worsening of the motor strength is a real possibility, and all candidates for this type of surgery must be informed about the risk of this complication.

RESUMO A síndrome do túnel do carpo é a compressão de nervo mais prevalente e seu tratamento pode ser clínico ou cirúrgico. Na maioria dos casos o tratamento conservador é a primeira alternativa terapêutica mas ainda há muitas controvérsias a respeito do tratamento mais eficaz. Neste estudo avaliamos de forma crítica as opções de tratamento conservador da síndrome do túnel do carpo, objetivando guiar o leitor no uso racional deste tipo de terapêutica.

ABSTRACT Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most prevalent nerve compression and can be clinically or surgically treated. In most cases, the first therapeutic alternative is conservative treatment but there is still much controversy regarding the most effective modality of this treatment. In this study, we critically evaluated the options of conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, aiming to guide the reader through the conventional options used in this therapy.

RESUMO Objetivo: A restauração da sensibilidade em pacientes com lesão completa do plexo braquial é muito importante. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a recuperação sensitiva em cirurgia do plexo braquial utilizando o nervo intercostobraquial (NICB) como doador. Métodos: Onze pacientes foram submetidos a reconstrução sensitiva usando o NICB como doador para a contribuição lateral do nervo mediano, com tempo de acompanhamento pós-operatório médio de 41 meses. Um protocolo de avaliação foi realizado. Resultados: Quatro pacientes perceberam o filamento 1-verde. Os filamentos 2-azul, 3-roxo e 4-vermelho foram percebidos por um, dois e três pacientes, respectivamente. Um paciente não apresentou recuperação sensitiva. Dois pacientes obtiveram recuperação S3, dois S2+, seis S2 e um S0, pela escala de Highet. Conclusão: O procedimento usando o NICB como doador promove boa intensidade de recuperação sensitiva e bons resultados são obtidos quanto ao local de percepção em pacientes com avulsão completa do plexo braquial.

ABSTRACT Objective: Restoration of the sensitivity to sensory stimuli in complete brachial plexus injury is very important. The objective of our study was to evaluate sensory recovery in brachial plexus surgery using the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) as the donor. Methods: Eleven patients underwent sensory reconstruction using the ICBN as a donor to the lateral cord contribution to the median nerve, with a mean follow-up period of 41 months. A protocol evaluation was performed. Results: Four patients perceived the 1-green filament. The 2-blue, 3-purple and 4-red filaments were perceptible in one, two and three patients, respectively. According to Highet's scale, sensation recovered to S3 in two patients, to S2+ in two patients, to S2 in six patients, and S0 in one patient. Conclusion: The procedure using the ICBN as a sensory donor restores good intensity of sensation and shows good results in location of perception in patients with complete brachial plexus avulsion.

RESUMO O tratamento das paralisias completas após lesões traumáticas do plexo braquial que resultam em um membro superior completamente paralisado permanecem como um desafio aos cirurgiões de nervos periféricos. A opção de amputar o membro superior é controversa e raramente discutida na literatura. Acreditamos que a amputação eletiva ainda tem utilidade no tratamento de casos selecionados. Os prós e contras do procedimento devem ser intensamente discutidos com o paciente por uma equipe multidisciplinar. Os melhores resultados são geralmente obtidos em pacientes atuantes que reivindicam vigorosamente o procedimento.

ABSTRACT The treatment of complete post-traumatic brachial plexus palsy resulting in a flail shoulder and upper extremity remains a challenge to peripheral nerve surgeons. The option of upper limb amputation is controversial and scarcely discussed in the literature. We believe that elective amputation still has a role in the treatment of select cases. The pros and cons of the procedure should be intensely discussed with the patient by a multidisciplinary team. Better outcomes are usually achieved in active patients who strongly advocate for the procedure.

RESUMO Objetivo Poucos doadores estão disponíveis para a restauração da sensibilidade em pacientes com lesões completas do plexo braquial (LCPB). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade anatômica do uso do nervo intercostobraquial (NICB) como doador de axônios para a contribuição do cordão lateral para o nervo mediano (CLNM). Métodos Trinta cadáveres foram dissecados. Os dados do NICB e do CLNM foram coletados: diâmetros, ramos e distâncias. Resultados Os diâmetros do NICB e da CLNM no ponto de coaptação foram 2,7mm e 3,7mm, respectivamente. O NICB originou-se como um único tronco em 93,3% dos espécimes e bifurcou-se em 73,3%. A distância entre a origem do NICB e seu ponto de coaptação com a CLNM foi de 54mm. Todos os NICBs tiveram extensão suficiente para alcançar a CLNM. Conclusão A transferência do NICB para a CLNM é anatomicamente viável e pode ser útil para restaurar a sensibilidade em pacientes com LCPB.

ABSTRACT Objective Few donors are available for restoration of sensibility in patients with complete brachial plexus injuries. The objective of our study was to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of using the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) as an axon donor to the lateral cord contribution to the median nerve (LCMN). Methods Thirty cadavers were dissected. Data of the ICBN and the LCMN were collected, including diameters, branches and distances. Results The diameters of the ICBN and the LCMN at their point of coaptation were 2.7mm and 3.7mm, respectively. The ICBN originated as a single trunk in 93.3% of the specimens and bifurcated in 73.3%. The distance between the ICBN origin and its point of coaptation to the LCMN was 54mm. All ICBNs had enough extension to reach the LCMN. Conclusion Transfer of the ICBN to the LCMN is anatomically feasible and may be useful for restoring sensation in patients with complete brachial plexus injuries.