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TheScientificWorldJournal Apr 2009Effective brachial plexus blockade requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the plexus, as well as an appreciation of anatomic variations that may occur. This... (Review)
Review
Effective brachial plexus blockade requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the plexus, as well as an appreciation of anatomic variations that may occur. This review summarizes relevant anatomy of the plexus, along with variations and anomalies that may affect nerve blocks conducted at these levels. The Medline, Cochrane Library, and PubMed electronic databases were searched in order to compile reports related to the anatomy of the brachial plexus using the following free terms: "brachial plexus", "median nerve", "ulnar nerve", "radial nerve", "axillary nerve", and "musculocutanous nerve". Each of these was then paired with the MESH terms "anatomy", "nerve block", "anomaly", "variation", and "ultrasound". Resulting articles were hand searched for additional relevant literature. A total of 68 searches were conducted, with a total of 377 possible articles for inclusion. Of these, 57 were found to provide substantive information for this review. The normal anatomy of the brachial plexus is briefly reviewed, with an emphasis on those features revealed by use of imaging technologies. Anomalies of the anatomy that might affect the conduct of the various brachial plexus blocks are noted. Brachial plexus blockade has been effectively utilized as a component of anesthesia for upper extremity surgery for a century. Over that period, our understanding of anatomy and its variations has improved significantly. The ability to explore anatomy at the bedside, with real-time ultrasonography, has improved our appreciation of brachial plexus anatomy as well.
Topics: Anesthesia; Brachial Plexus; Clavicle; Female; Humans; Male; Nerve Block; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 19412559
DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2009.39 -
Neurosurgical Review Apr 2020Brachial plexus injuries are among the rarest but at the same time the most severe complications of shoulder dislocation. The symptoms range from transient weakening or... (Review)
Review
Brachial plexus injuries are among the rarest but at the same time the most severe complications of shoulder dislocation. The symptoms range from transient weakening or tingling sensation of the upper limb to total permanent paralysis of the limb associated with chronic pain and disability. Conflicting opinions exist as to whether these injuries should be treated operatively and if so when surgery should be performed. In this review, available literature dedicated to neurological complications of shoulder dislocation has been analysed and management algorithm has been proposed. Neurological complications were found in 5.4-55% of all dislocations, with the two most commonly affected patient groups being elderly women sustaining dislocation as a result of a simple fall and young men after high-energy injuries, often multitrauma victims. Infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus was most often affected. Neurapraxia or axonotmesis predominated, and complete nerve disruption was observed in less than 3% of the patients. Shoulder dislocation caused injury to multiple nerves more often than mononeuropathies. The axillary nerve was most commonly affected, both as a single nerve and in combination with other nerves. Older patient age, higher energy of the initial trauma and longer period from dislocation to its reduction have been postulated as risk factors. Brachial plexus injury resolved spontaneously in the majority of the patients. Operative treatment was required in 13-18% of the patients in different studies. Patients with suspected neurological complications require systematic control. Surgery should be performed within 3-6 months from the injury when no signs of recovery are present.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Humans; Neurosurgical Procedures; Shoulder Dislocation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29961154
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-018-1001-x -
Prilozi (Makedonska Akademija Na... Apr 2021Brachial plexus injuries are still challenging for every surgeon taking part in treating patients with BPI. Injuries of the brachial plexus can be divided into injuries... (Review)
Review
Brachial plexus injuries are still challenging for every surgeon taking part in treating patients with BPI. Injuries of the brachial plexus can be divided into injuries of the upper trunk, extended upper trunk, injuries of the lower trunk and swinging hand where all of the roots are involved in this type of the injury. Brachial plexus can be divided in five anatomical sections from its roots to its terminal branches: roots, trunks, division, cords and terminal branches. Brachial plexus ends up as five terminal branches, responsible for upper limb innervation, musculocutaneous, median nerve, axillary nerve, radial and ulnar nerve. According to the findings from the preoperative investigation combined with clinically found functional deficit, the type of BPI will be confirmed and that is going to determine which surgical procedure, from variety of them (neurolysis, nerve graft, neurotization, arthrodesis, tendon transfer, free muscle transfer, bionic reconstruction) is appropriate for treating the patient.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Humans; Nerve Transfer
PubMed: 33894122
DOI: 10.2478/prilozi-2021-0008 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2016Shoulder dystocia is a complication of vaginal delivery and the primary factor associated with brachial plexus injury. In this review, we discuss the risk factors for... (Review)
Review
Shoulder dystocia is a complication of vaginal delivery and the primary factor associated with brachial plexus injury. In this review, we discuss the risk factors for shoulder dystocia and propose a framework for the prediction and prevention of the complication. A recommended approach to management when shoulder dystocia occurs is outlined, with review of the maneuvers used to relieve the obstruction with minimal risk of fetal and maternal injury.
Topics: Birth Injuries; Brachial Plexus; Delivery, Obstetric; Dystocia; Female; Fetus; Humans; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Shoulder Injuries
PubMed: 26901875
DOI: 10.2217/whe.15.103 -
European Journal of Physical and... Sep 2012Management of brachial plexus injury sequelae is a challenging issue in neurorehabilitation. In the last decades great strides have been made in the areas of early... (Review)
Review
Management of brachial plexus injury sequelae is a challenging issue in neurorehabilitation. In the last decades great strides have been made in the areas of early diagnosis and surgical techniques. Conversely, rehabilitation of brachial plexus injury is a relatively unexplored field. Some critical aspects regarding brachial plexus injury rehabilitation have to be acknowledged. First, brachial plexus injury may result in severe and chronic impairments in both adults and children, thus requiring an early and long-lasting treatment. Second, nerve damage causes a multifaceted clinical picture consisting of sensorimotor disturbances (pain, muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, secondary deformities) as well as reorganization of the Central Nervous System that may be associated with upper limb underuse, even in case of peripheral injured nerves repair. Finally, psychological problems and a lack of cooperation by the patient may limit rehabilitation effects and increase disability. In the present paper the literature concerning brachial plexus injury deficits and rehabilitation in both adults and children was reviewed and discussed. Although further research in this field is recommended, current evidence supports the potential role of rehabilitation in reducing both early and long-lasting disability. Furthermore, the complexity of the functional impairment necessitates an interdisciplinary approach incorporating various health professionals in order to optimizing outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Child; Disability Evaluation; Humans; Rehabilitation Centers
PubMed: 23075907
DOI: No ID Found -
Neurology India 2019Peripheral nerve and brachial plexus injuries typically cause severe impairment in the affected limb. The incidence of neuropathic pain is high, reaching up to 95% of... (Review)
Review
Peripheral nerve and brachial plexus injuries typically cause severe impairment in the affected limb. The incidence of neuropathic pain is high, reaching up to 95% of cases, especially if cervical root avulsion has occurred. Neuropathic pain results from damage to the somatosensory system, and its progression towards chronicity depends upon disruptions affecting both the peripheral and central nervous system. Managing these painful conditions is complex and must be accomplished by a multidisciplinary team, starting with first-line pharmacological therapies like tricyclic antidepressants and calcium channel ligands, combined physical and occupational therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation and psychological support. For patients refractory to the initial measures, several neurosurgical options are available, including nerve decompression or reconstruction and ablative/modulatory procedures.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Ganglia, Spinal; Humans; Neuralgia; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30688230
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.250699 -
BMJ Case Reports Dec 2019We report a 28-year-old man admitted postmotorcycle versus car in September 2017. The patient sustained multiple injuries in both the upper and lower limbs. He sustained...
We report a 28-year-old man admitted postmotorcycle versus car in September 2017. The patient sustained multiple injuries in both the upper and lower limbs. He sustained a complex brachial plexus injury on his left side and was transferred immediately to Stanmore Hospital to undergo specialist surgery (supraclavicular brachial plexus exploration and neurolysis) to repair his brachial plexus injury. The patient was transferred back to the specialist trauma ward for additional surgeries for his subsequent injuries. Due to the complexity of the injury and surgery the patient was not able to start rehabilitation until six weeks post operation, at which point he was referred to outpatient physiotherapy. Prior to this his left upper limb was in a sling but was instructed to move it as able. The patient commenced his comprehensive physiotherapy programme in January 2018.
Topics: Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Humans; Male; Motorcycles; Multiple Trauma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 31874847
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232107 -
International Journal of Radiation... Dec 2011To review the dose limits and standardize the three-dimenional (3D) radiographic definition for the organs at risk (OARs) for thoracic radiotherapy (RT), including the...
PURPOSE
To review the dose limits and standardize the three-dimenional (3D) radiographic definition for the organs at risk (OARs) for thoracic radiotherapy (RT), including the lung, proximal bronchial tree, esophagus, spinal cord, ribs, and brachial plexus.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
The present study was performed by representatives from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, and Soutwestern Oncology Group lung cancer committees. The dosimetric constraints of major multicenter trials of 3D-conformal RT and stereotactic body RT were reviewed and the challenges of 3D delineation of these OARs described. Using knowledge of the human anatomy and 3D radiographic correlation, draft atlases were generated by a radiation oncologist, medical physicist, dosimetrist, and radiologist from the United States and reviewed by a radiation oncologist and medical physicist from Europe. The atlases were then critically reviewed, discussed, and edited by another 10 radiation oncologists.
RESULTS
Three-dimensional descriptions of the lung, proximal bronchial tree, esophagus, spinal cord, ribs, and brachial plexus are presented. Two computed tomography atlases were developed: one for the middle and lower thoracic OARs (except for the heart) and one focusing on the brachial plexus for a patient positioned supine with their arms up for thoracic RT. The dosimetric limits of the key OARs are discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
We believe these atlases will allow us to define OARs with less variation and generate dosimetric data in a more consistent manner. This could help us study the effect of radiation on these OARs and guide high-quality clinical trials and individualized practice in 3D-conformal RT and stereotactic body RT.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Bronchi; Bronchography; Consensus; Esophagus; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Lung; Maximum Tolerated Dose; Medical Illustration; Organs at Risk; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, Conformal; Ribs; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 20934273
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.07.1977 -
Scientific Reports May 2023The dorsal scapular artery can either be a direct branch of the subclavian artery or a branch of the transverse cervical artery. Origin variation is related to its...
The dorsal scapular artery can either be a direct branch of the subclavian artery or a branch of the transverse cervical artery. Origin variation is related to its relationship with the brachial plexus. Anatomical dissection was performed on 79 sides of 41 formalin-embalmed cadavers in Taiwan. The origin of the dorsal scapular artery and the variations of its brachial plexus relationship were scrutinized and analyzed. Results showed that the dorsal scapular artery originated most frequently from the transverse cervical artery (48%), followed by the direct branch from the third part (25%) and the second part (22%) of the subclavian artery and from the axillary artery (5%). Only 3% of the dorsal scapular artery passed through the brachial plexus if its origin was the transverse cervical artery. However, 100% and 75% of the dorsal scapular artery passed through the brachial plexus when they were direct branches of the second and the third part of the subclavian artery, respectively. Suprascapular arteries were also found to pass through the brachial plexus when they were direct branches from the subclavian artery, but all passed over or under the brachial plexus if they originated from the thyrocervical trunk or transverse cervical artery. Variations in the origin and course of arteries around the brachial plexus are of immense value not only to the basic anatomical knowledge but also to clinical practices such as supraclavicular brachial plexus block and head and neck reconstruction with pedicled or free flaps.
Topics: Humans; Subclavian Artery; Shoulder; Neck; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Block; Cadaver
PubMed: 37179441
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35054-2 -
Hand (New York, N.Y.) May 2019Lipomas are common benign tumors. When they develop in proximity to peripheral nerves, they can cause neurologic symptoms secondary to mass effect. Previous reports have... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lipomas are common benign tumors. When they develop in proximity to peripheral nerves, they can cause neurologic symptoms secondary to mass effect. Previous reports have shown symptom resolution after removal of lipomas compressing various upper extremity peripheral nerves. However, brachial plexus lipomas are relatively rare. Our multidisciplinary experience with brachial plexus lipoma resection is reviewed in the largest case series to date.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing resection of brachial plexus lipomatous tumors between 2006 and 2016 was performed. Patient demographic data, diagnostic imaging, clinical presentation, operative details, surgical pathology, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.
RESULTS
Twelve brachial plexus lipomatous tumors were resected in 11 patients: 10 lipomas, 1 hibernoma, and 1 atypical lipomatous tumor. The most common tumor location was supraclavicular (50%), followed by axillary (42%), and proximal medial arm (8%). The most common brachial plexus segment involved was the upper trunk (50%), followed by posterior cord (25%), lateral pectoral nerve (8%), lower trunk (8%), and proximal median nerve (8%). Most patients presented with an enlarging painless mass (58%). Of the patients who presented with neurologic symptoms, symptoms resolved in the majority (80%).
CONCLUSIONS
Brachial plexus lipomas are rare causes of compression neuropathy in the upper extremity. Careful resection and knowledge of brachial plexus anatomy, which may be distorted by the tumor, are critical to achieving a successful surgical outcome with predictable symptom resolution. Finally, surveillance magnetic resonance imaging may be warranted for atypical lesions.
Topics: Adult; Arthrogryposis; Brachial Plexus; Female; Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy; Humans; Lipoma; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 29058949
DOI: 10.1177/1558944717735946