title: Brachial plexus injury: treatment options and outcomes.
abstract: The brachial plexus is a series of nerves formed by roots of cervical segments 5 to 8 (C5-C8) as well as the first thoracic nerve (T1). It functions to provide sensation and motor innervation to the skin and muscles of the chest and upper limb. It does so through different segments: roots, trunks, divisions, and cords. Injuries to the brachial plexus occur relatively frequently and are due mainly to traumatic accidents that lead to traction or compression of the nerve roots. When considering the etiology and treatment of such injuries, it is important to make a distinction between adult versus obstetric brachial plexus injury. Although several surgical treatment options are described and used for patients with brachial plexus injury, no perfect remedy currently exists. Prevention and safety should be the focus. At the same time, high-quality studies and new technology and techniques are needed to determine more effective treatments for this group.
authors.affiliation: From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL.
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arzillo
authors.forename: Kriya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gishen
authors.forename: Morad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Askari
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016067:Nerve Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D060726:Torso; D016896:Treatment Outcome