Spinal nerve root injuries in brachial plexus lesions: basic science and clinical application of new surgical strategies. A review.

This paper reviews studies aimed at developing novel surgical means to correct functional deficits after spinal nerve root injuries in brachial plexus lesions. In a long series of animal experiments it has been possible to demonstrate re-established connectivity between severed roots and the damaged spinal cord segment. This encouraging functional recovery by a new surgical strategy of managing ventral root avulsion injuries prompted clinical application, with restoration of activity.