Brachial Plexus Injuries, Treatment and Neurotization: 45 Cases

The goal of this study was to demonstrate that brachial plexus injuries, if treated properly, can provide satisfactory results.

Of 45 patients, 40 cases involved the C5-C6 nerve roots, 3 involved the C5-C6-C7, and 2 cases involved total paralysis. All patients had exploration of the brachial plexus, with insertion of nerve grafts from the nerve roots to the peripheral nerves. Two patients had neurotization, using five intercostal nerves, and neurotization was achieved through nerve grafting.

Results were excellent in 25%, good in 48%, and fair in 37% of patients.

If the operation is not delayed for more than 3months, a very devastating condition can be markedly improved.