Acute traumatic brachial plexus injury: A case report

Acute traumatic brachial plexus injury: A case report - While open injuries affecting the brachial plexus are relatively rare, they can result in lasting disability and, if accompanied by vascular damage, pose a potential life-threatening situation. This case report highlights an instance of acute traumatic brachial plexus injury where the urgency of the situation necessitated immediate surgery without the opportunity for diagnostic examinations. A case involving a male aged thirty-three-year-old, who experienced a stabbing injury to the right shoulder, resulting in an inability to move his right upper limb, was documented. On physical examination a stab wound of 4 x 6 cm below the mid of right clavicle without active bleeding at the wound site. We observed that Tinel’s sign, Horner’s sign was absent whereas distal pulses were present. The muscle power in the elbow, wrist and fingers was zero and no sensation in C6 / C7 / C8 / T1. We performed direct repair of the lateral/medial and the posterior cords with 7-0 optilene, augmented with fibrin glue and matriderm. The clavicle was stabilized with a 6-holed plate and the patient’s shoulder was immobilized with a cervical collar for 3 weeks. As the patient was an expatriate, the prompt intervention that resulted in direct repair proved to be beneficial. The patient exhibited a favourable functional outcome, without encountering complications of scarring or grafting in late surgeries. This case report serves to emphasize the significance of having a thorough understanding of the anatomical aspects of the brachial plexus in emergency situations. Keywords: Stab wound, Brachial plexus, Trauma, Acute.