Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves originating from the spinal cord that controls movements and sensations of the hand and entire upper extremity. Brachial plexus injuries are caused by damage to these nerves in the neck and shoulder area. Most injuries are related to birth, motor vehicular or high-energy trauma. Symptoms may vary from a completely paralyzed arm to a lack of sensation and muscle control in a certain portion of the upper extremity or hand. There are four types of brachial plexus injuries:

Avulsion-the most sever type, where the nerve is torn away from the spinal cord. Patients with this injury will improve without surgical reconstruction.
Rupture-the nerve is torn but not at the spinal attachment. Ruptures will not heal without surgery to repair nerves.
Neuroma-the damaged nerve has tried to heal itself but with scar tissue, preventing conduction of signals to the muscles. Surgical intervention may be needed to restore normal signal conduction through the nerve.
Neuropraxia-the nerve has been stretched but not torn. Neuropraxia is the most common type of brachial plexus injury, and in many cases may heal itself without intervention.

Drs. Tan and Capo are Microsurgeons in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) who offer a comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and recovery plan for each individual patient with a brachial plexus injury.

Other related sites:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=314&topcategory=Arm