Results and current approach for Brachial Plexus reconstruction

Table 1 Grasping, pinch and wrist and elbow extension strength in the different group of palsies.

Type of palsy	*Grasping (Kg)*	*Pinch (Kg)*	*Wrist extension (Kg)*	*Elbow extension (Kg)*
C5-C6	26.3(95% CI, 22.9-29.7)	8 (95% CI, 7.1-8.8)	7.1(95% CI, 6.1-8.1)	7.8 (95% CI, 6-9.5)
C5-C7	14.7(95% CI, 8.7-20.7)	6(95% CI, 4.8-7.1)	5.6 (95% CI, 5.1-6.2)	4.8(95% CI, 4.2-5.4)
C5-C8	13(95% CI 9.7-16.3)	4(95% CI 2.8-5.3)	paralyzed or extremely weak	paralyzed
C5-T1 (postfixed)	extremely weak	extremely weak	paralyzed or extremely weak	paralyzed
Normal	38(95% CI, 36.6-39.4	10.1(95% CI, 9.2-10.9)	13(95% CI, 11.4-14.5)	11.8 (95% CI, 10.4-13.2)

Strength with grasping, pinching and wrist and elbow extension in the different palsy groups and in the normal contralateral limb - In all groups, strength was significantly decreased relative to the normal side (p < 0.005). Grasp strengths were 70%, 40% and 36% that of the normal limb in those with C5-C6, C5-C7 and C5-C8 injuries, respectively. All inter-group differences were statistically significant; however, only the difference between the C5-C6 and C5-C7 groups can be considered clinically relevant. Pinch strengths were 80%, 60% and 40% of normal with C5-C6, C5-C7 and C5-C8 lesions, respectively; these differences all were significant, both statistically (p < 0.05) and clinically. Wrist extension strengths were 55%, 43% and 0% in the C5-C6, C5-C7 and C5-C8 palsy groups, respectively; and corresponding elbow extension strengths were 66%, 41% and 0%. These differences in wrist and elbow extension strength all were statistically significant (p < 0.05).