Brachial Plexus by orthopedist Fredy Angarita in Barranquilla
Orthopedics
Author: Fredy Angarita MaldonadoModified date:
What is the brachial plexus?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the spinal cord at the level of the neck, from where they intermingle and connect to the muscles of the arm and thus allow it to move.
What are brachial plexus injuries?
Brachial plexus injuries can be the result of an avulsion or pull-out of the roots from the spinal cord or a rupture in its path
How does the brachial plexus heal?
The brachial plexus in many cases that affect children can heal itself and in others it is necessary to perform surgeries to correct the injury.
What if there is a brachial plexus injury?
If there is a brachial plexus injury, it is most likely that the patient will not be able to move the shoulder, elbow or hand or all in the case of total injuries, that means that the patient will have a hanging arm and which also does not work.
What is the treatment for a brachial plexus injury?
The treatment for a brachial plexus injury varies depending on the injury, sometimes it is necessary to take nerve grafts from other places in the body and put it in the spaces between one end and the other of the ruptures, the other option is to take nerves that They have other functions and they go to other muscles, cut them and stick them to the injured nerves. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to take a muscle for example from the thigh and connect a nerve, artery and vein in the arm to be able to perform functions such as bending the elbow or moving the hand and arthrodesis, especially in these severe cases, may be additionally necessary. of the wrist, that is, leaving the wrist in a fixed position so that it has better function.
How is a brachial plexus injury diagnosed?
The diagnosis for a brachial plexus injury is fundamentally clinical, that is, examining the patient, it can be complemented with some studies such as X-rays, electromyography among other studies.
What are the symptoms of a brachial plexus injury?
For a brachial plexus injury, the most important symptom is the inability to move any part of the upper limb or all of it, in this case the patient has an arm that literally hangs and can be associated with pain.
When should you see a specialist for a brachial plexus injury?
You should see a specialist for a brachial plexus injury immediately after the car accident in adults or after a difficult delivery in children and notice the inability to move the arm.
What is the function of the brachial plexus?
The brachial plexus is responsible for allowing the arm to move and also offers the possibility of feeling it.
How is the brachial plexus injured?
The brachial plexus is injured in multiple ways but in children it is most common that it is the product of a difficult birth and in adults, it is more common after a car accident or it can also be the product of a projectile wound of firearm, stab wounds among others.