A Practical Guide to Exploration of The Injured Brachial Plexus

Authors

  • Praveen Bhardwaj Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Sonia Chaudhry Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, Connecticut, United States
  • Hari Venkatramani Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  • S. Raja Sabapathy Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords:

brachial plexus, brachial plexus injury, nerve exploration, nerve injury, nerve palsy, nerve transfer, neurotization, plexopathy

Abstract

The management of brachial plexus injuries continues to evolve. Surgical treatment in the first several months typically begins with direct exploration of the plexus to confirm the location and type of injury. The literature is replete with historic and emerging techniques for nerve repair and transfer; however, a practical guide to the routine exploration of the plexus is not readily accessible. Anatomic variations and traumatic distortion make knowledge of multiple landmarks and common findings paramount to identify key structures while avoiding iatrogenic injury. This text details a step-by-step guide to anterior exploration of the brachial plexus with technical pearls.

Downloads

Published

2021-09-17

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2021): Journal of Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Section

Methods