Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesions for the Treatment of Brachial Plexus Avulsion Injuries: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

Abstract Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesions have been shown to yield short term relief from the pain associated with a brachial plexus avulsion injury. Because of the propensity of pain to recur after neuroablative procedures, 39 patients with pain after a brachial plexus avulsion injury were observed for 14 months to 10 years after DREZ lesions were made. Fifty-four per cent of these patients were afforded good pain relief. Of 21 patients who had multiple small lesions made within the DREZ, 15 (72%) were afforded good pain relief. (Neurosurgery 22:369-373, 1988)