Outcome of nerve transfers for traumatic complete brachial plexus avulsion: results of 28 patients by DASH and NRS questionnaires

The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients who suffered complete brachial plexus avulsion before and after nerve transfers by assessing upper extremity function and pain using the DASH and NRS questionnaires. Patients who underwent nerve transfers improved their DASH and NRS scores compared with before surgery. Although individually there was no correlation with improved scores, the triple combination of rehabilitation exercises, electrical stimulation therapy and neurotrophic drugs postoperatively correlated positively with improved functional outcomes. This study suggested a positive effect of the passage of time and nerve transfers in total brachial plexus avulsions from patients' self assessments.