Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42347112›Full record

ReviewNeurology international2026

Motor Nerve Transfers in Complete and Incomplete Brachial Plexus Injuries: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Leonardo Bradaschia, Christian Heinen

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Neurology international, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Leonardo BradaschiaDepartment of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.ORCID 0009-0006-6479-2766
Christian HeinenPeripheral Nerve Unit Nord, Christliches Krankenhaus Quakenbrück GmbH, 49610 Quakenbrück, Germany.ORCID 0000-0002-6687-5470

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Brachial plexus injuries are challenging conditions. Over the past decades, nerve transfer surgery has progressively evolved from proximal nerve reconstruction toward selective distal neurotization strategies, considerably expanding the possibilities for functional restoration. As the number of described donor-recipient combinations has increased, the literature has become increasingly fragmented, often focusing on isolated techniques or specific functional targets. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of currently available motor nerve transfer strategies for upper-limb reinnervation in BPI. A literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies concerning motor nerve transfers for upper-limb reconstruction were systematically reviewed and categorized according to recipient nerve and functional target, including shoulder function, scapular stabilization, elbow flexion and extension, wrist and finger extension, wrist and finger flexion, intrinsic hand function, and extraplexal donor nerve reconstruction. A total of 250 studies met the inclusion criteria. Both intraplexal and extraplexal donor strategies were identified for most reconstructive targets. Intraplexal distal nerve transfers currently represent the preferred approach whenever feasible because of shorter reinnervation distances and more predictable outcomes. Extraplexal donors, including the spinal accessory, intercostal, contralateral C7, and phrenic nerves, remain essential in complete BPIs and root avulsion injuries. Despite substantial advances, restoration of intrinsic hand function and reliable distal reinnervation remain major reconstructive challenges. Motor nerve transfers represent an increasingly versatile and function-oriented reconstructive strategy that should be tailored to the individual injury pattern, available donor nerves, and functional priorities.

Indexed as

coaptationnerve graftnerve transferneurotizationtraumatic injuries

Identifiers

PMID42347112
PMCPMC13304513

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.