Obstetric brachial plexus palsy: A large animal model for traction injury and its repair Part 1: Age of the recipient

A Sunderland type IV traction injury to the C6 root of the sheep or lamb brachial plexus was used as a model for obstetric traction injury to the C5 root in humans. The injury,vas created and immediately repaired using interfascicular nerve autografts in a group of adult sheep and a group of newborn lambs. The animals were examined using electrophysiological and morphometric techniques 1 year after operation, It was found that the recovery of neuromuscular function,uas superior in the lambs. The implication is that nerves in newborn animals have a better potential for regeneration than that seen in older individuals. This is discussed with reference to the management of obstetric brachial plexus palsy.