Supraclavicular brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries

Stretching of more than 12% of a nerve or more than 8 hours of ischaemia will result in severe nerve injury. The force required to avulse cervical nerve roots is as little as 200 newtons. The nerve root exiting angles are very important, as different forequarter positions at the time of impact will result in differing force vectors and therefore differing injury. Nerve injuries can be extremely devastating not only for the patient but for their surrounding support structure as well. We discuss and detail the diagnosis and management of these lesions along with the useful investigations and treatment options. The appropriately timed management of these patients can allow good outcomes for both patient physical and subsequent mental health.