What are brachial plexus injuries?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that sends information from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most extreme situations, torn away from the spinal cord.

Symptoms of brachial plexus injuries

Minor brachial plexus injuries are called stingers or burners and can exhibit the following symptoms:

An electric shock or burning sensation shooting down the arm
Weakness or numbness in the arm

These symptoms usually last only a few moments or minutes, but in some cases, they may linger for days or longer.

The symptoms of more severe brachial plexus injury include:

Weakness or inability to move the hand, arm, or shoulder
Complete lack of feeling in the hand, arm, or shoulder
Severe pain

Causes of brachial injuries

Brachial plexus injuries are usually caused by:

Difficulties during birth: If there are difficulties during labor, there is a chance that the newborn’s brachial plexus nerves will get damaged.
A direct blow to the neck or shoulder: This can happen in car accidents, contact sports, or falls.
Tumors or cancer treatments: Radiation treatment to the chest or neck can cause damage to the brachial plexus. It can also cause tumors to grow along the brachial plexus.

What is Brachial Plexus Injury Repair?

Brachial plexus injury repair is a type of reconstructive surgery that is used to treat brachial plexus injuries. The goal of this surgery is to repair the damaged nerves and restore function to the arm.

Who is the right candidate for Brachial Plexus Injury Repair?

The right candidate for brachial plexus injury repair is someone who has suffered a brachial plexus injury that has not healed properly on its own. This reconstructive surgery is typically recommended for:

People with trauma that resulted in severed, torn, or severely stretched nerves in the brachial plexus
People with long-term debilitating pain or loss of function in the arm
People with tumors in the brachial plexus or scarred nerves that form tumors (neuromas)

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What to expect at the consultation for Brachial Plexus Injury Repair?

At the consultation for brachial plexus injury repair at Dr. Anjali's Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Clinic, Visakhapatnam, Dr. Anjali will:

Evaluate your medical history and current health condition
Conduct a physical examination of the affected arm
Take x-rays or other imaging tests like MRI

During the consultation, Dr. Anjali will work with you to concentrate on the most distressing or debilitating symptoms or problems brought about by the injury. These factors help in customizing the treatment to address your individual needs.

After the evaluation, Dr. Anjali will discuss with you the best treatment option for your brachial plexus injury.

How is Brachial Plexus Injury Repair performed?

Brachial plexus surgery is a treatment for the shoulder, arm, and hand that aims to eliminate pain while also restoring sensation and motor function. There are several types of brachial plexus surgery, depending on the type, location, and extent of nerve injury.

Nerve Repair

Nerve repair is a type of brachial plexus surgery that focuses on repairing the damaged nerves. If the nerve has been cut or torn, Dr. Anjali will sew the severed ends together to re-connect it. Nerve repair surgery is performed with the use of a microscope and specialized instruments.

Neurolysis

Neurolysis is a type of brachial plexus surgery that is performed when a nerve is compressed but otherwise intact. In this procedure, Dr. Anjali removes the scar tissue from around the damaged nerve. This releases the pressure around the compressed nerve and relieves the symptoms of brachial plexus injury.

Nerve Grafting

Nerve grafting is a type of brachial plexus surgery that is used when the nerve is too severely damaged to be repaired. In this procedure, Dr. Anjali will take a healthy nerve from another part of your body and attach it to the damaged nerve. The healthy nerve replaces the injured part of the nerve and helps the damaged nerve to regenerate.

Nerve Transfer

During a nerve transfer, one of the surrounding working nerves is connected to the damaged nerve. This forms a framework for signals. In many situations, nerve transfer surgery offers the greatest chance of regaining movement and sensation. The right nerve to use for a nerve transfer depends on the damaged nerve and the location of the injury.

Tendon Transfer

During a tendon transfer, a functional and replaceable tendon from a different area of the body is attached to the damaged brachial plexus injury tendon. The working tendon will pull on the formerly paralyzed tendon to restore lost motion after surgery. Tendon transfers are usually performed if nerve grafting or nerve transfer are no longer options.

Functional Muscle Transfer

Like tendon transfer, functional muscle transfer is performed when nerve grafting or nerve transfer are no longer possible. During a functional muscle transfer, a nonessential muscle is taken from a different area of the body and attached to the nonfunctional muscle. A nearby nerve is attached to the transplanted muscle. This will allow the transplanted muscle to regain function.

How is the recovery after Brachial Plexus Injury Repair?

After brachial plexus surgery, you might have to wear a sling or splint to keep the injured arm in the correct position for healing. Physiotherapy will be needed to aid with post-brachial plexus surgical recovery. The type of physiotherapy, when it is given, and how long it will last are all determined by the type of brachial plexus injury surgery.

Recovery after brachial plexus surgery doesn’t just include the healing of the tissues, it also includes recovery of lost function. While healing of the tissues is relatively quick, function recovery may take months depending on the extent of the injury, the type of surgery performed, and physiotherapy. It is necessary to attend the follow-up appointments with Dr. Anjali to monitor your healing and function.

How much does Brachial Plexus Injury Repair cost?

The cost of brachial plexus surgery will depend on the level of injury and the type of surgery needed. During the consultation, Dr. Anjali will carefully consider your unique situation and give an estimate of the cost.

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What are the benefits of Brachial Plexus Injury Repair?

Brachial plexus injury repair surgery can help to improve your quality of life by restoring lost function and relieving pain. This can lead to an increased ability to perform daily activities, improved work performance, and a better overall sense of well-being.

What are the risks and complications associated with Brachial Plexus Injury Repair?

As with any surgery, brachial plexus injury repair surgery carries the risk of complications. These include infection, bleeding, and blood clots. In addition, the recovery after any nerve surgery is very slow hence enough time should be allowed for the results to be visible. Dr. Anjali will discuss the risks and complications associated with brachial plexus injury repair surgery during your consultation. If these risks do occur she will treat them safely and effectively.

Meet Dr. Anjali Saple

Dr. Anjali Saple is a skilled and experienced plastic and cosmetic surgeon in Visakhapatnam, India. She has a keen eye for aesthetics and is a perfectionist to the core. Dr. Anjali Saple completed her M.B.B.S, M.S. General Surgery and DNB Plastic Surgery from the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Hospital, Mumbai.<br> She then took special training in Cosmetic Surgery at Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, USA, and at Santa Casa Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has been practicing as a Consultant Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon in Visakhapatnam for the last 22 years. She regularly upgrades her skills to impart the best possible care to her patients and her 25 years of experience have made her one of the most sought-after surgeons in Visakhapatnam, India.

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Restore Function Of Your Arm | Brachial Plexus Injury Repair

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