Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachial plexus refers to a complex web of large nerves that exit from the spinal cord in the neck and direct the movement and sensation of the entire upper limb. Traumatic brachial plexus injuries, which are most commonly sustained in high speed motor vehicle accidents or while engaged in sporting events, affect the sensibility and muscle power in part of or the entire limb. Approximately 15% of brachial plexus injuries have an injury to the blood supply of the arm as well, and emergency surgery may be indicated.

The extent of spontaneous nerve recovery is unpredictable and generally imperfect. Frequent and thorough examination over the first three to six months following injury is necessary to document signs of nerve recovery, and additional imaging or electro-diagnostic tests are often required. Over the past three to four decades, great strides have been made in surgical reconstruction of injured nerves, and a tremendous amount of research is underway to unlock the complexities of nerve regeneration.