What has changed in brachial plexus surgery?

• Main Authors: Marcelo Rosa de Rezende, Gustavo Bersani Silva, Emygdio Jose Leomil de Paula, Rames Mattar Junior, Olavo Pires de Camargo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculdade de Medicina / USP
• Series: Clinics
• Subjects: brachial plexus; nerve transfer; microvascular decompression surgery; free tissue flaps; review
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1807-59322013000300021&lng=en&tlng=en
• ISSN: 1807-5932; 1980-5322

Brachial plexus injuries, in all their severity and complexity, have been extensively studied. Although brachial plexus injuries are associated with serious and often definitive sequelae, many concepts have changed since the 1950s, when this pathological condition began to be treated more aggressively. Looking back over the last 20 years, it can be seen that the entire approach, from diagnosis to treatment, has changed significantly. Some concepts have become better established, while others have been introduced; thus, it can be said that currently, something can always be offered in terms of functional recovery, regardless of the degree of injury. Advances in microsurgical techniques have enabled improved results after neurolysis and have made it possible to perform neurotization, which has undoubtedly become the greatest differential in treating brachial plexus injuries. Improvements in imaging devices and electrical studies have allowed quick decisions that are reflected in better surgical outcomes. In this review, we intend to show the many developments in brachial plexus surgery that have significantly changed the results and have provided hope to the victims of this serious injury.