Traumatic brachial plexus injuries

Although brachial plexus trauma continues to be a daunting reconstructive challenge for upper extremity surgeons, remarkable progress has been made over the last 2 decades. Thanks to the tireless work of clinicians, scientists and surgeons, even patients who have sustained pan plexus avulsion injuries may have some hope in regaining useful upper extremity function. Encouraging results are being presented in the restoration of extremity function after these devastating injuries through an innovative and thoughtful combination of reconstructive strategies that include nerve repair and grafting, as well as nerve and free functional muscle transfers. The exhaustive efforts of a handful of individuals are now coming to light in the current literature. The intent of this review was to present some of the most recent innovations and thoughts behind the current management of adult brachial plexus trauma and reconstruction.