title: Iatrogenic postoperative brachial plexus compression secondary to hypertrophic non-union of a clavicle fracture.
abstract: The brachial plexus is related intimately to the clavicle such that injury can occur primarily and most commonly at the time of trauma through traction or it can occur secondarily, mainly owing to hypertrophic non-union with exuberant callus formation, causing compression of the plexus. The movement-dependent rearrangement of the subclavicular space is restricted with rigid internal fixation, thereby placing inappropriate pressure on the plexus from the deep hypertrophic tissue. This case highlights another cause of brachial plexopathy of which to be aware.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, St Mary's Hospital, Parkhurst Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5TG, UK. dushanthavarajah@yahoo.com
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thavarajah
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scadden
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology; D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000209:etiology; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography