Emergency or subemergency repair of brachial plexus injury associated with other traumas

Objective To explore emergency or subemergency repair of disrupted or partially disrupted brachial plexus injuries associated with other traumas with an aim to increase the postoperative excellent and good rate. Methods From February 1993 to January 2003, MRI scan was made as soon as possible for patients who were suspected to have brachial plexus injuries. Twenty nine patients who had been demonstrated to suffer from disrupted or partially disrupted injuries of brachial plexus underwent exploration of the plexus and direct neurorrhaphy, autogenous interfascicular nerve grafting, neurolysis, neurotization or side to side neurorrhaphy immediately or 2 to 3 weeks after the injury. Results Twenty one of the patients were followed up for six months to six years (averaging 3 years) postoperatively. The outcome was excellent or good in 70.6%of them. Conclusion Emergency or subemergency treatment in 2 to 3 weeks of disrupted or partially disrupted brachial plexus injuries associated with other traumas can avoid repeated operations and reduce the difficulty of the operation so as to improve the prognoses.