Brachial plexus surgery

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves connecting the spinal cord to the arm. It controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.

Brachial plexus injuries mainly occur:

• During severe trauma (motorcycle accidents, falls, significant traction on the arm), with or without fractures
• In cases of nerve rupture
• In cases of root avulsion (nerve roots torn from the spinal cord, the most severe form)
• At birth, during a difficult delivery (obstetric brachial plexus injury)

The objective is to restore as much as possible:

• Mobility of the upper limb
• Muscle strength
• Sensation
• Patient independence

Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery may be partial or more complete.

This is a highly precise surgery performed under a microscope (neuromicrosurgery).
Depending on the situation, it may include:

• Direct nerve repair
• Nerve grafting
• Nerve transfer
• Complex reconstruction in cases of avulsion

Each treatment is tailored according to the type of injury and the time elapsed since the trauma.