Emerging treatments

Direct repair of nerve root avulsions

Due to the inability to repair nerve roots avulsed from the cervical spine, partial nerve transfer from another uninjured nerve is usually required to improve arm function.[158] Some authors are beginning to examine the possibility of direct repair of nerve roots to the spinal cord using tissue engineering techniques.[158][159] No clinical trials are under way; therefore, this treatment remains theoretical and is under early investigation.

Contralateral C7 transfer

For patients with global brachial plexus injuries with nerve root avulsions, contralateral C7 transfers may provide additional axonal input for reconstruction. Currently, contralateral C7 transfers are considered for infants with one root or fewer available for grafting in the ipsilateral brachial plexus. Favourable outcomes have been reported in early investigations.[160][161]

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