CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Repair of brachial plexus injury
BRACHIAL PLEXUS SURGICAL REPAIR
Carrying out advanced surgical treatment for brachial plexus injuries
About brachial plexus injury
- This procedure aims to reattach or repair one of of your brachial plexus nerves.
The brachial plexus is a group of five nerves stemming from the spinal cord in the neck. It connects the brain and spinal cord to nerves in the shoulder and arms, allowing movement and sensation. You have one brachial plexus serving each side of the body.
Brachial plexus injuries happen when the arm is forcefully pulled or stretched in the opposite direction to the limb. Falls, motorbike and car accidents and wounds caused by weapons can cause these injuries.
A brachial plexus injury in adults may involve each individual root and can result in:avulsion — the root is torn from the spinal cord - rupture — a tear at root level
- tear — the nerve is ruptured inside
Need to know
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.
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.
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.
Mr Marco Sinisi - Peripheral Nerve Specialist
At HCA Healthcare UK, we work with leading consultants to enable access to the the latest techniques and treatment.
Mr Marco Sinisi is our lead consultant for Peripheral Nerve Injuries based at The Wellington Hospital. Mr Sinisi has a comprehensive knowledge of nerve injuries and has experience in a wide range of nerve problems from trauma through to sports injuries. He is experienced in managing complex nerve conditions as well as performing complex nerve operations.
Our Repair of brachial plexus injury consultants
Mr Marco Sinisi
Neurosurgery
Dr Girija Sadalage
Neurology
Dr Mark Kellett
Neurology
Dr Evangelia Theochari
Neurology
Our Repair of brachial plexus injury locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.