Biomechanical characterization of cadaveric brachial plexus regions using uniaxial tensile tests

• Published in: Hand surgery and rehabilitation 2024-09, Vol.43 (4), p.101747, Article 101747
• Main Authors: Perruisseau-Carrier, Anne C., Marco, Yann, Fleury, Vadim, Jmal, Hamdi, Brogan, David M., Forli, Alexandra, Bahlouli, Nadia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Brachial plexus; Peripheral nerves; Stretch injury; Tensile test
• ISSN: 2468-1229; 2468-1210; 2468-1210
• DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2024.101747

The proximal regions of the brachial plexus (roots, trunks) are more susceptible to permanent damage due to stretch injuries than the distal regions (cords, terminal branches). A better description of brachial plexus mechanical behavior is necessary to better understand deformation mechanisms in stretch injury. The purpose of this study was to model the biomechanical behavior of each portion of the brachial plexus (roots, trunks, cords, peripheral nerves) in a cadaveric model and report differences in elastic modulus, maximum stress and maximum strain. Eight cadaveric plexi, divided into 47 segments according to regions of interest, underwent cyclical uniaxial tensile tests, using a BOSE® Electroforce® 3330 and INSTRON® 5969 material testing machines, to obtain the stress and strain histories of each specimen. Maximum stress, maximum strain and elastic modulus were extracted from the load–displacement and stress–strain curves. Statistical analyses used 1-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) and Mann-Whitney tests. Mean elastic modulus was 8.65 MPa for roots, 8.82 MPa for trunks, 22.44 MPa for cords, and 26.43 MPa for peripheral nerves. Differences in elastic modulus and in maximum stress were statistically significant (p