Adult brachial plexus injuries: mechanism, patterns of injury, and physical diagnosis

Hand Clin. 2005 Feb;21(1):13-24. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2004.09.004.

Abstract

Most brachial plexus injuries involve the entire plexus. An injury to major cords or branches often contains a mixed injury pattern, with portions of the nerve being avulsed, ruptured, or stretched. An advancing Tinel's sign implies the possibility of neurologic recovery; however, the surgeon should combine this physical finding with that of electrodiagnostic studies to assess the extent of nerve injury to allow for expedient surgical intervention when necessary.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brachial Plexus / diagnostic imaging
  • Brachial Plexus / injuries*
  • Brachial Plexus / pathology
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiography