Introduction

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that extends from the neck through the shoulder and into the arm. These nerves control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. When these nerves are injured, patients may experience weakness, loss of movement, numbness, or even complete paralysis of the affected arm.

Brachial Plexus Surgery is a highly specialized neurosurgical and microsurgical procedure that aims to repair or reconstruct these nerves, helping patients regain function and independence.

What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?

Brachial plexus injuries can occur due to:

• Road traffic accidents (most common, especially motorcycle accidents)
• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Birth injuries (Erb’s Palsy) in newborns
• Penetrating trauma (knife or gunshot wounds)

Depending on severity, injuries may range from mild stretching (neurapraxia) to nerve root avulsion (complete tearing from the spinal cord).

Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Injury

• Weakness or inability to move the arm/hand
• Numbness or loss of sensation
• Severe, burning pain in the shoulder or arm
• Limp arm (in severe injuries)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and how long it has been since the trauma:

1. Non-Surgical Treatments
   • Physiotherapy to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness.
   • Pain management medications.
   • Observation in mild, self-healing cases.
2. Surgical Treatments (usually performed 3–6 months after injury if no recovery is seen)
   • Nerve Grafting – Damaged nerve segments are replaced with grafts from another nerve.
   • Nerve Transfers – Healthy nearby nerves are redirected to restore movement.
   • Muscle Transfers – Transferring muscles (like from the thigh) to the arm to regain function.
   • Tendon Transfers – Using tendons to restore lost movement.

Benefits of Surgery

✔️ Restoration of shoulder, elbow, or hand movement
✔️ Pain relief in some cases
✔️ Prevention of long-term muscle wasting
✔️ Improved ability to perform daily tasks
✔️ Better quality of life and independence

Recovery After Brachial Plexus Surgery

• Hospital stay: 3–7 days depending on the procedure.
• Rehabilitation: Intensive physiotherapy is essential for recovery.
• Recovery timeline: Nerves grow slowly (about 1 mm per day). Functional improvement may take months to years.
• Follow-up: Regular check-ups to monitor nerve regeneration.