Intercostal nerve transfer classification.

Abstract

We report a new classification of intercostal nerve transfer. The specific application in brachial plexus reconstruction is described. This method was applied in intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve in 15 patients. In type 1, "MOTOR to MIXED" transfer one harvest only the intercostal main motor branch which is connected at the trunk of the musculocutaneous nerve, without fascicular specificity. In type 2, "MIXED to MIXED" transfer, based on neural cartography, the main motor branch and its sensitive accessory anterior branches are connected to the musculocutaneous nerve trunk, in attempt to connect the motor fascicules together at the center and also the sensory fascicules together, at the circumference. In type 3, "MOTOR to MOTOR" transfer, the intercostal main motor branch is connected to the musculocutaneous motor branch directly destined to the biceps brachialis. The aim of this work is to evaluate the results between different series.