Article Sections

Introduction

Brachial plexus injuries involve damage to the network of nerves originating from the spinal cord that control motor and sensory functions in the shoulder, arm, and hand.  These injuries can result from trauma, obstetric complications, or compressive forces and can range in severity.  Prompt recognition and management are essential to optimize functional recovery.

Brachial plexus anatomy

The brachial plexus ( Figure 1) originates from the C5-T1 spinal nerve roots, which combine into 3 trunks (superior, middle, and inferior); these pass between the anterior and middle scalene muscles (scalene triangle) in the posterior neck ( Figure 2).  The trunks then differentiate into divisions, cords, and terminal nerve branches.  Although there is significant overlap and redundancy throughout the cord, the primary functions of the plexus ( Table 1

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Figures

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Tables

Table 1