Functional limitations of adults with traumatic brachial plexus injury in the first medical appointment: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The effective treatment of traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI) requires studies evaluating its functional outcomes. Nevertheless, these studies are scarce, especially in the Northeastern Brazil. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to identify the main physical and functional limitations and the quality of life of patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with traumatic BPI, during their first specialized consultation. Sociodemographic and clinical information were recorded, and the outcomes evaluated were: muscle strength, range of motion (ROM) and pain; functionality and quality of life assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires, respectively. There was a predominance of men (92%) aged 34±10.5 years with total plexus injury (56%) and motorcycle accident etiology (68%). Most of the sample lived far from the capital (52%), had neuropathic pain (87%) and ROM restrictions. The DASH score ranged from 30.8 to 93.3 points and the physical domain was the most affected in the WHOQOL-BREF. This study points out the young, working age profile of patients with traumatic BPI and the predominance of physical and functional deficits, even before the first specialized consultation.