Summary box 1 Clean, sharp lacerations of the brachial plexus should be repaired within 72 hours. Blunt transections are best repaired in a delayed fashion. 2 Progressive neurologic deficits may…
Summary box 1 The principles applicable to management of various patterns of stretch injuries provide a logical approach to most brachial plexus palsies. 2 Appropriate injury patterns should be recognized…
Summary box 1 Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a term that includes several specific diagnoses, including 2 common forms of the syndrome: vascular (arterial and venous) and neurogenic TOS. 2…
Summary box Electrodiagnostic studies 1 … are an extension of the clinical examination. 2 … are dynamic. 3 … can diagnose a brachial plexus injury. 4 … identify the location…
Summary box 1 Tailor each patient’s rehabilitation program to be as unique as each injury. 2 Distinguish between pre and post-ganglionic injury because there is little chance of spontaneous recovery…
Summary box 1 Detection of nerve root avulsion injuries is critical for planning surgical treatment of patients with brachial plexus palsies. 2 Traumatic pseudomeningoceles are no longer regarded as the…
Summary box 1 Maintain passive range of motion in all upper extremity joints—especially shoulder external rotation (in both abduction and adduction) and forearm pronation and supination. 2 Force use of…
Summary box 1 Brachial plexus injuries are followed by chronic pain in 30–90% of patients. 2 Pain following brachial plexus injuries may be due to neuromas, denervation-reinnervation, avulsion, or musculoskeletal…
Summary Box 1 Indications and timing for nerve repair/reconstruction in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) remain controversial. 2 We consider absent or significantly impaired hand function, in the…
Summary box 1 Direct inspection alone in the operating room has been shown repeatedly to be unreliable in assessing the severity of peripheral nerve lesions, especially brachial plexus injuries. Therefore,…
