Functional outcome predictors after spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer for restoration of shoulder abduction in traumatic brachial plexus injuries in adults: the effect of time from injury to surgery.

Background: Shoulder abduction is crucial for daily activities, and its restoration is one of the surgical priorities. We evaluated the predictive factors of shoulder abduction functional outcome after spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer, with special emphasis on the effect of time from injury to the surgery, in the treatment of traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Method: This cohort included adult patients who underwent SAN-to-SSN transfer with a preoperative Medical Research Council strength grade 0 and a follow-up of minimum 18 months.