The Effects of Electrical stimulation on Nerve Regeneration in Brachial Plexus Injuries

The purpose of this study is to review the clinical result of electric stimulus on the restoration of motor and sensory recoveries in the brachial plexus injuries. We had evaluated retrospectively 20 cases of brachial plexus injuries who were treated by surgical reconstruction of their damaged nerves and electrical stimulation. Among 20 cases, 18 cases were treated by insertion of electrode to the nerves, and 2 cases to the motor points of muscles. For the comparison, 24 cases were selected who were received similar operation without electrical stimulation. All cases were followed up for at least 24 months, as a rule. As a result, we had a significant difference in the power of elbow flexor, shoulder abductor and sensibility of forearm between two groups, suggesting that the electrical stimulation to nerve and muscle enhanced the progress of nerve regeneration or muscle strength retrospectively. The result suggests that the electrical stimulation is a promising supplementary method for functional recovery in peripheral nerve surgery.