Repair of brachial plexus injury

Need to know

• What happens during brachial plexus surgery? icon plus

  Treatment depends on the type of injury and how recently it happened — nerve attachment is more likely to succeed hours after the injury. The procedure happens under general anasethetic. A cut is made above the collarbone, to access the nerves.

  Depending on the type of injury, your surgeon will perform one of the following procedures:

  • Nerve repair. The two edges of a severed nerve are reattached. This kind of surgery is performed immediately, usually after a trauma.
  • Nerve graft. A healthy nerve from another part of the body is used to hold a lacerated nerve together. The nerve fibres should grow and reconnect to the muscle.

• How to prepare for surgery icon plus

  Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. Because general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, you may need to fast for several hours before the operation.
  
  Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• After nerve surgery icon plus

  Nerve regrowth takes time, so you may not feel results for a few months after surgery. Physiotherapy will play a key role in your recovery. As you recover, a physio will help you exercise your shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers to prevent stiffness and to strengthen the muscles. It's important to follow these exercises so that you make steady progress. The physio will also show you the best way to carry out activities such as eating and bathing with a less functional arm. You may also need to wear a splint to help support your arm and take painkilling medicine.