title: Severe brachial plexus injuries in rugby.
abstract: We describe the mechanisms, pattern of injuries, management and outcomes of severe injuries to the brachial plexus sustained during the play of rugby. Thirteen cases of severe injury to the brachial plexus caused by tackles in rugby had detailed clinical assessment, and operative exploration of the brachial plexus. Seventeen spinal nerves were avulsed, two were ruptured and there were traction lesions in continuity of 24 spinal nerves. The pattern of nerve lesion was related to the posture of the neck and the forequarter at the moment of impact. Early repair by nerve transfer enabled some functional recovery, and decompression of lesions in continuity was followed by recovery of nerve function and relief of pain.
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4LP, UK.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Altaf
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mannan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bharania
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Sewell
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Di Mascio
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sinisi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012307:Risk Factors; D012421:Rupture; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult