Current concepts of the treatment of adult brachial plexus injuries.
As the number of survivors of motor vehicle accidents and extreme sporting accidents increases, the number of people having to live with brachial plexus injuries increases. Although the injured limb will never return to normal, an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of nerve injury and repair, as well as advances in microsurgical techniques, have enabled the upper extremity reconstructive surgeon an opportunity to improve function in these life-altering injuries. The purpose of this review is to detail some of the current concepts of the treatment of adult brachial plexus injuries and give the reader an understanding of the nuances of the timing, available treatment options, and outcomes of treatment.
Giuffre
Jennifer L
JL
Division of Hand Surgery, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Kakar
Sanjeev
S
Kakar
Sanjiv
S
Bishop
Allen T
AT
Spinner
Robert J
RJ
Shin
Alexander Y
AY
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation*; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000637:transplantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012677:Sensation; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed