Diaphragmatic Height Index: the New Diagnostic Test for Phrenic Nerve Dysfunction

Diaphragmatic Height Index: the New Diagnostic Test for Phrenic Nerve Dysfunction

Diaphragmatic contraction is controlled by phrenic nerve which consists of anterior rami of 3rd- 5th cervical nerve roots. Usually, It can't be evaluated from history taking and physical examination. Thus the diaphragmatic elevation on chest radiograph is assumed to identify the phrenic nerve dysfunction. Normally, the right diaphragm is higher than the left side about 1.5 ± 0.9 centimeters or 0.5 ± 0.3 time of vertebral height. Although there are several methods to determine the diaphragmatic elevation from previous studies, the accuracy, reliability, intra and inter-observer variation are problem.

Neurotization is the effective procedure to restore upper extremity function in root avulsion type. Phrenic nerve is one of the common donor nerves which used for this procedure. But sometimes, concomitant injury of this nerve can occur. Therefore, the investigators established "Diaphragmatic height index (DHI)" from chest radiograph to use as the diagnostic test for phrenic nerve dysfunction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Brachial plexus injured patients who underwent the neurotization in our institute between 2005-2008
• Non brachial plexus injured patients who underwent the other orthopedic operation in our institute between April-June 2009

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concomitant pneumothorax and/or hemothorax
• Concomitant pulmonary contusion
• Previous pulmonary disease
• Chest wall deformity
• Thoracic or thoracolumbar scoliosis (>10 degrees)
• Hepatomegaly
• Incomplete data