Press and Media
View the latest AANEM Achievement Award winners, the American Neuromuscular Foundation (ANF) Abstract Award winners, and the latest AANEM news articles on News Express.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will be content of abstracts be viewable, as opposed to just the titles?
A: The abstract content will be available at the annual meeting during the Poster Hall hours. We do not provide abstract presenter information or slides ahead of time. All available information can be found in the AANEM Abstract Guide online when it becomes available.
Q: How do I reach out to abstract or session presenters for an interview?
A: We do not offer member contact information. To connect with abstract or session presenters, review the AANEM Annual Meeting Program when available. Find the topics of interest and connect with the presenter after their lecture or during their abstract poster session time. Currently there is no interview option for virtual attendees.
Q: When can I share information?
A: The embargo on the abstracts themselves is lifted when they have been published in Muscle & Nerve and online in the AANEM Abstract Guide. However, the additional information beyond what is in the abstract itself is still embargoed.
AANEM requires information that goes beyond that which is contained within the abstract, e.g., the release of data not included in the abstract, discussion of the abstract done as part of a scientific presentation, etc. to be embargoed until the start of the annual meeting. Please see the Abstract Embargo Policy.
Q: Will the Abstract Award Reception feature the best posters?
A: The Abstract Award Reception is a social hour in honor of the abstract award winners where all authors, including award winners, will be available to discuss research.
Q: Original research is ONLY presented as posters, correct?
A: Yes - the research is presented in the Poster Hall via abstract posters.
Science News: Spinal Accessory Nerve Versus Intercostal Nerves in Gracilis Free-Functioning Muscle Transfer for Elbow Flexion in Adult Brachial Plexus Patients
Submitted by: Rebecca O'Bryan, MD
Citation: Bhat SG, Bishop AT, Spinner RJ, Kaufman KR, Shin AY. Spinal Accessory Nerve Versus Intercostal Nerves in Gracilis Free-Functioning Muscle Transfer for Elbow Flexion in Adult Brachial Plexus Patients. J Hand Surg Am. 2025;50(7):837-845. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.04.005
Summary: This study investigated 22 patients who underwent free-functioning muscle transfer (FFMT) for traumatic brachial plexus injury for surgical reconstruction of elbow flexion. The aim of the study was to compare differences in voluntary neuromuscular control of the FFMT gracilis reinnervated by either the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) or intercostal nerves (ICN). Patients were recruited postoperatively for follow up. Exclusion criteria were less than 6 months from surgery and or alternative donor nerves used. 12 patients had SAN reinnervation while 10 had ICN (8 with 2 ICN and 2 with 3 ICN). SAN group was significantly closer to their surgery and therefore a z score was calculated for this variable and used as a covariate. ICN group showed greater strength and range of motion. Contraction latency was similar. The SAN group had better relaxation latency. Hold times were similar, but SAN group showed modulation of hold times with an increase in percent maximum torque. Conclusions were that the SAN group showed a better ability to relax elbow flexion produced by the gracilis muscle compared with the ICN group. The SAN group also demonstrated better modulation in their hold times with an increase in torque demand compared with the ICN group.
Comments: This is a very interesting study looking at FFMT of gracilis for restoration of elbow flexion in pan-plexopathy BPI patients. The SAN is a voluntary motor nerve while ICNs are mixed postural nerves that provide involuntary postural and voluntary breathing functions. This study seems to indicate more natural restoration of voluntary elbow contraction, which is very important to consider with this procedure. Unfortunately the SAN is not always available for donation, and the ICN does seem to provide adequate function as well if needed. This study is very small in terms of sample sizes, and has its limitations, but is helpful to us as neuromuscular specialists in terms of considerations of our surgical colleagues. Ensuring normal function of the SAN during electrodiagnostic study of these patients may be very beneficial to the surgical team.
Why is this article interesting/relevant to the AANEM audience? As noted in the comments above, this study is helpful to us as neuromuscular specialists in terms of considerations of our surgical colleagues. Ensuring normal function of the SAN during electrodiagnostic study of these patients may be very beneficial to the surgical team.