Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the 3rd-6th intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve for reconstruction of shoulder abduction.
Methods: Fifteen thoracic walls (30 sides) were collected from cadavers. The 3rd-6th intercostal nerve length which can be dissected between the midaxillary line and midclavicular the transfer distance between the midaxillary line and midpoint of the clavicular bone (prepared point for neurotization) measured.
Results: In 30 sides of specimens, the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves could be obtained between the midaxillary and midclavicular line, the available length of which was significantly greater than the transfer distance (P < 0.01). Six 5th intercostal nerve and 16 sides of 6th intercostal nerve were covered by the costal cartilage before reaching the midclavicular line. The available length of the 5th intercostal nerve was similar to the transfer distance (P > 0.01), while the available the 6th intercostal nerve was significantly less than transfer distance (P < 0.01). The suprascapular nerve could be dissociated turned to the clavicular bone of more than 2 cm. The whole length of the available 5th intercostal nerve length and length (2 cm) of suprascapular nerve was significantly greater than the transfer distance (P < 0.01), but for the 6th nerve, the whole length was still less than transfer distance (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: It could be an alternative method the 3rd, 4th, and 5th intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve for reconstruction of shoulder abduction. And 6th intercostal nerve, longer dissociated length may be required for direct coaptation or using a graft for nerve repair.