Value of clinical findings, electrodiagnosis and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of root lesions in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic value of clinical findings, electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging of root lesions in traumatic brachial plexus injuries


METHODS
The authors clinically evaluated 175 cervical roots (C5-8, T1) in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries then with electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each finding, taken alone and in combination with each other, was compared with the findings of exploratory surgery.


RESULTS
The mean correlations of the clinical findings, electromyography and MRI in relation to the surgical findings were 60, 87 and 70 percent, respectively. The mean correlation was highest (90%) when the positive findings from the clinical, electromyographic or MRI investigations were combined. The correlation of the C5-6 root injuries was improved to 100% though the mean correlation was only 90%.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of clinical findings and electromyography correlated well with the surgical findings of root lesions caused by traumatic brachial plexus injury. MRI markedly improved identification only of C5-6 root injuries.
Chanlalit
Cholawish
C
Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. Chanlalit@Hunsa.com
Vipulakorn
Kittiwan
K
Jiraruttanapochai
Kitti
K
Mairiang
Eimorn
E
Chowcheun
Prathana
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery