Anatomy of the brachial plexus
Summary box 1 The brachial plexus can be organized into 5 zones: spinal nerve roots, trunks, divisions, cords and terminal branches. 2 C5-6 nerve roots form the upper trunk, C7…
The role of electrodiagnosis in infants with brachial plexus palsies
Summary Box 1 The vast majority of persistent brachial plexus lesions in infants is a combination of axonotmesis or neurotmesis in varying proportions. 2 Electrodiagnostic studies are able to determine…
Clinical presentation and considerations of neonatal brachial plexus palsy
Summary box 1 Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) can be defined as a flaccid paresis of an upper extremity due to traumatic stretching of the brachial plexus, with the passive…
Guidelines for attorney–physician interactions about brachial plexus palsy patients
Summary box 1 Establish all the terms and conditions of proposed expert witness work before agreeing to take on the case. 2 An expert witness should be an advocate only…
Neonatal brachial plexus palsy: Antecedent obstetrical factors
Summary box 1 Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is identified in the immediate neonatal period and is due to trauma to the fetal brachial plexus at some point prior to…
Physiology of nerve injury and regeneration
Summary box 1 Worldwide prevalence of brachial plexus/peripheral nerve injuries continues to increase as the rates of motor vehicle collisions and “extreme sporting” accidents increase. 2 Brachial plexus injuries can…
Soft Orthoses: Indications and Techniques
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Orthotic positioning of the hand is both an art and a science. ▪ A variety of upper extremity conditions may benefit from a soft orthosis. ▪ Soft…
Focal Hand Dystonia
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ The etiology of focal hand dystonia is still considered idiopathic, but there is agreement that the condition is multifactorial. ▪ Focal hand dystonia includes involuntary end-range twisting…
Assessment and Treatment Principles for the Upper Extremities of Instrumental Musicians
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ Performance-related issues are discussed, followed by assessment and treatment techniques for tendinopathies, hypermobility, and focal hand dystonia. ▪ Other conditions covered include nerve entrapment syndromes and ganglions….
Upper Limb Functional Capacity Evaluation
CRITICAL POINTS ▪ The FCE format must be tailored based on the referral question and the evaluee. No single format fits all clients. ▪ The evaluator must conduct the FCE…
