title: Unilateral cervical nerve injuries: brachial plexopathies.
abstract: Brachial plexus injuries are frequently encountered in sports. Classically, the symptoms include transient burning, pain, and occasionally weakness of an isolated upper extremity resulting from a peripheral nerve injury of varying degrees. Persistent symptoms or recurrent injuries may necessitate imaging such as electromyography. Medical personnel should be familiar with brachial plexus anatomy and the common nerve injury mechanisms of compression or traction. On-field assessment includes evaluation for potentially more serious neurologic injuries and possible return to play when symptoms have resolved and the athlete has good range of motion and strength. Evidence-based guidelines are largely lacking, resulting in challenging evaluation and return-to-play decisions. Management focuses on improving neck range of motion and strength in addition to assessing for proper sport-specific technique. Additionally, enhancing protective equipment may prevent brachial plexus injuries. Currently, global screening via imaging of athletes is not recommended.
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota, Family Medicine and Community Health, 1020 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411, USA. dolson@umnphysicians.umn.edu
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: Saul A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: McBroom
authors.forename: Benjamin D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Broton
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Pulling
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Olson
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002572:Cervical Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy