Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial Plexus Reconstruction

Brachial plexus reconstruction may be necessary for patients who are experiencing arm paralysis, pain or numbness as a result of damage to nerves in the shoulder. At the Institute for advanced reconstruction, our surgeons are adept at a number of different methods of brachial plexus reconstruction.

The Brachial Plexus

The brachial plexus is a large, complex bundle of nerves in the shoulder. Nearly all signals that go from the brain to the upper arm pass through the brachial plexus. When a person sustains injury to the shoulder, the nerves of the brachial plexus can also sustain damage, which can cause loss of sensation and paralysis of the arm.

Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Most brachial plexus injuries result from trauma to the shoulder, often in the form of stretch injuries. They can also be caused by pressure on the brachial plexus nerves caused by tumor growth in the area, accident, or physiological problems present since birth. The nerves of the brachial plexus may also be damaged by exposure to infectious agents chemotherapy, or radiation from radiation therapy.

Methods of Brachial Plexus Reconstruction

Depending upon its seriousness, treatments for brachial plexus injury range from physical therapy and medications that relieve inflammation, to surgical brachial plexus reconstruction to relieve pressure on the nerves. At the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, we also perform nerve transplant surgery to help patients who have suffered massive injuries to the brachial plexus, or other types of paralysis.

Brachial Plexus Success Story