Brachial Plexus Injury-Adult-Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries

Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries

Pdf Summary

Adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries are devastating and occurring more frequently. Patient evaluation involves assessing upper extremity sensory and motor function, along with radiologic studies and electrodiagnostic studies. Surgical treatment options include neurolysis, nerve grafting, neurotization, and free muscle transfer. Results vary, but advancements in nerve injury and repair, as well as microsurgical techniques, allow restoration of some function in the affected limb. Brachial plexus injuries can result from a variety of causes such as birth injuries, penetrating injuries, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. The exact number of these injuries each year is difficult to determine, but with increased participation in extreme sports and high-energy motor sports, as well as an increase in the number of survivors of high-speed motor vehicle accidents, the number of brachial plexus injuries is rising globally. Patients typically affected by these injuries are males aged 15 to 25 years. Surgical treatment requires patient selection, timing, and prioritization of function restoration. Primary reconstruction may involve nerve surgery or soft-tissue procedures, while secondary reconstruction may be necessary for further improvement. In conclusion, a thorough understanding of brachial plexus injuries and their management is necessary in order to provide optimal care to patients.

Keywords

Brachial plexus injuries

Patient evaluation

Surgical treatment options

Nerve grafting

Neurotization

Motor vehicle accidents

Microsurgical techniques

Global rise in injuries

Males aged 15-25

Optimal care