Positioning Complications: Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial plexus injuries occur when the brachial plexus is stretched or compressed between the clavicle and first rib. The manifestations of these injuries depend on which specific nerves are affected. Injury to the median nerve results in the inability to oppose the thumb, while axillary nerve damage leads to the inability to abduct the arm. As mentioned earlier, injury to the ulnar nerve causes a loss of sensation in the medial portion of the hand and an inability to abduct or oppose the fifth finger. Damage to the musculocutaneous nerve results in an inability to flex the forearm, and radial nerve injury causes wrist drop.

Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the nerve network. Common symptoms include weakness or inability to use certain muscles in the shoulder, arm, or hand. Patients may experience numbness or loss of sensation in these areas, often accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation. Severe injuries can cause complete paralysis of the arm.